Ankle swelling, also known as edema, is a familiar condition caused by various factors. The most frequent sources include injuries, such as sprains or fractures, which lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation. Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can also cause swelling due to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. Medical conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease can contribute to fluid retention and subsequent swelling. Additionally, chronic venous insufficiency and certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, can result in ankle swelling. To address ankle swelling, elevate the legs to reduce fluid buildup and improve circulation. Compression socks can help prevent fluid accumulation, while regular movement and exercise promote blood flow. Maintaining a low-sodium diet can also help to manage fluid retention. If you have swelling in your ankles that persists, or that is accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of this tissue, can stem from various biomechanical factors. Problems like an abnormal lower leg structure, limited ankle movement, and inward or outward heel or foot angles can strain the plantar fascia. These abnormalities can alter foot mechanics, leading to excessive tension and micro-tears in the fascia. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking, which tends to improve with rest but worsens upon resuming activity. Early morning stiffness and tenderness in the heel or arch are also common. Addressing these biomechanical issues through proper footwear, orthotics, stretching exercises, and avoiding excessive strain on the feet can help to  manage symptoms and prevent recurrence of this ailment. If you have been afflicted by plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you various effective treatment methods.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While some individuals have flat feet from childhood, others may develop them later in life. A primary cause of flat feet is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had flat feet, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition. Additionally, injuries or stress to the feet's tendons and ligaments or standing for long periods of time can lead to flat feet. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reconstruct the arches. To accurately diagnose the extent of flat feet and determine what the most effective treatment plan is, it is important to consult a podiatrist. They can provide expert assessment, recommend appropriate interventions like custom orthotics, and ensure ongoing management to alleviate symptoms and improve foot function. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care and relief from flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic limb salvage is a medical approach focused on preventing amputations in patients with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, particularly in the lower extremities, increasing the risk of severe infections and ulcers. Limb salvage involves a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at healing these ulcers, improving blood flow, and managing infections. This multidisciplinary approach includes wound care, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications to control blood sugar levels and enhance overall foot health. The goal is to preserve the patient's limbs, improve quality of life, and prevent the devastating impact of amputation. Timely intervention and continuous care are essential to the success of diabetic limb salvage, emphasizing the importance of regular medical check-ups and early treatment of any foot issues in diabetic patients. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can evaluate your condition, and educate you about methods that may help to avoid amputation.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.