Items filtered by date: May 2024

Beyond the well-known effects on your lungs and heart, smoking can also severely affect your feet, particularly through a condition known as Buerger’s disease. This disease targets the blood vessels in the arms and legs, causing swelling and reduced blood flow, which leads to the formation of clots. Consequently, individuals may experience pain, open sores or ulcers, and gangrene, which if not properly treated by a podiatrist may lead to limb loss. While the precise cause of Buerger’s disease remains uncertain, one undeniable link is tobacco use. Chemicals in tobacco irritate blood vessel linings, which then triggers inflammation and constriction. Nearly all diagnosed cases of Buerger’s disease are associated with tobacco use, whether through cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. Prevention is key, and that begins with quitting smoking and avoiding all forms of tobacco. But prioritizing your foot health is also essential, and by seeking guidance from a podiatrist you can manage symptoms and receive the needed wound care. If you're experiencing any symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet, a common and often uncomfortable condition, can stem from various factors. One primary cause is fluid retention, which occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to swelling and puffiness. This fluid buildup can result from prolonged standing or sitting, particularly in hot weather, as well as hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver problems, can impair the body's ability to regulate fluid levels and contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles. Injuries such as sprains or fractures may also lead to swelling as the body responds to tissue damage and inflammation. Furthermore, lifestyle factors like obesity or poor circulation can exacerbate swelling in the lower extremities. Identifying the underlying cause of swollen feet is essential for proper management and treatment, which may include lifestyle modifications, medication, or medical intervention to address the root issue and alleviate discomfort. A podiatrist can determine the cause of swollen feet. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with this foot doctor who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.