Swollen feet are common in older adults and can be linked to several underlying conditions. Heart failure may cause fluid buildup in the lower extremities, while kidney or liver disease can affect how the body manages fluids. Venous insufficiency occurs when veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart, leading to pooling in the feet and ankles. Additionally, certain medications may also contribute to swelling as a side effect. Risk factors include reduced mobility, chronic health conditions, and poor circulation. Symptoms often include puffiness, tight skin, and discomfort when walking. A podiatrist can evaluate swelling, identify contributing factors, and recommend treatments to improve circulation and comfort. If you are elderly and have any of the above risk factors, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achieving the perfect running form for marathon running starts with proper foot support and efficient movement. Choosing the best running shoes depends on terrain and the shape of your arches. Pronated feet roll inward, neutral feet maintain balanced alignment, and supinated feet roll outward, each requiring different support. A smooth foot strike, where the foot lands gently and evenly, helps reduce stress and improve endurance. Additionally, good posture and steady rhythm also play a role in preventing injury over long distances. Risk of discomfort can increase with poor footwear or improper mechanics. A podiatrist can assess your gait, recommend the right shoes, and prescribe custom orthotics to address gait issues. If you have developed foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition most often affects the big toe, and can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the nail border. The area may feel sore while  walking, wearing shoes, or applying pressure to the toe. In some cases, the skin may become infected, leading to drainage, warmth, or increased swelling. Common causes include trimming the nails too short, wearing tight footwear, injury to the toe, or naturally curved nails. Repeated pressure from sports or daily activities may also contribute to the problem. A podiatrist can examine the toe, determine the severity of the condition, and recommend appropriate treatment. Care may include trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail, treating infection, recommending proper footwear, or performing a minor procedure to help prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Toes can change shape that affect the foot and make walking uncomfortable. One toe deformity is termed a hammertoe. It happens when a smaller toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. A bunion  forms when the top of the big toe shifts toward the smaller ones, and the main joint bone at the bottom pushes outward. A claw toe involves more than one joint, causing the toe to bend downward and sometimes press into the shoe. These problems often develop from repeated pressure, muscle imbalance, or abnormal foot movement. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, or trouble fitting into shoes. A podiatrist can use X-rays and other imaging to assess severity. Care includes custom orthotics, protective devices, or surgery to correct alignment and reduce pain. If you have toes that look abnormal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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