Swollen feet can develop when fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower extremities. This swelling may be related to several underlying health conditions including diabetes, liver damage, kidney damage, foot infection, or heart failure. These conditions can affect circulation, fluid balance, and tissue health, leading to visible swelling and discomfort in the feet. Risk factors include poor circulation, chronic illness, prolonged standing, and limited physical activity. Symptoms may include tight skin, tenderness, warmth, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Because swelling may signal a more serious health concern, proper evaluation is important. A podiatrist can assess foot health, identify signs of infection or circulation problems, and recommend supportive care. If you are experiencing persistent swelling, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . 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 contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Over time, the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint to stick out and become more prominent. The area may look swollen or red, and the skin can feel tender from rubbing against shoes. Many patients describe aching pain that worsens with walking or standing, especially while wearing narrow or tight footwear. Bunions often develop or worsen due to inherited foot structure, flat feet, arthritis, or years of wearing constrictive shoes. A podiatrist begins with a detailed examination and may order X-rays to evaluate the alignment of the bones. Treatment can include shoe modifications, padding, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to improve support and reduce strain. In more advanced cases, surgery may be discussed. If you have a bunion that causes pain or interferes with daily activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Black toenails are common in runners, usually resulting from repeated trauma to a toenail inside the shoe. While running, the toes strike the front or roof of the toe box, especially on downhill routes or long distances. This can cause bleeding beneath the nail, called a subungual hematoma. The dried blood produces a dark red or black appearance and may loosen the nail over time. Improper shoe length or width, excessive movement within the shoe, and swelling from heat or high-mileage add to pressure on the nail plate. Certain toes, particularly the big and second toes, absorb the greatest impact. Less common causes include chronic ingrown nails, fungal infection, toe deformities, or rarely tumors that also create discoloration. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail bed, relieve pressure, and guide a safe return to running while preventing nail deformity. If you notice unusual coloration in the toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Carrying extra body weight puts added strain on the feet every day. With each step, the heels and arches absorb more pressure than they are designed to handle. This can lead to heel pain, flattening of the arch, and aching in the ball of the foot. The joints may become stiff, tendons may feel sore, and the risk of arthritis increases over time. Some people also notice burning, swelling, or tired feet after standing or walking for short periods. Body fat can also affect how tissues function, which may increase discomfort beyond simple pressure alone. A podiatrist can examine how you stand and walk, check foot alignment, and measure areas of high pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive bracing, and guidance to reduce stress on the feet and prevent further damage. If you have foot pain that may be related to excess weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.