Pregnancy often comes with side effects like swollen feet, or edema. This common issue is the result of your body retaining more fluid and the growing uterus putting pressure on your veins. To manage swollen feet and ankles, start by reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium with foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach. Drinking plenty of water may seem counterintuitive, but staying hydrated helps your body release excess fluids. Elevating your feet, especially at the end of the day, can also help to reduce swelling. Gentle exercises, like walking and swimming, help boost circulation, while wearing loose, comfortable clothing avoids restricting blood flow. Consider wearing waist-high compression stockings if you spend a lot of time on your feet. A relaxing foot and leg massage can work wonders for reducing fluid buildup. Additionally, staying cool and avoiding prolonged standing can significantly reduce swelling. If edema persists or becomes severe, it's suggested that you seek medical help from a podiatrist who can evaluate the problem, and suggest further treatment as needed.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

A broken toe can result from various causes, including direct trauma, stubbing the toe against a hard surface, or dropping a heavy object on the foot. Sports injuries, accidents, and even sudden, forceful movements can also lead to a toe fracture. Common symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. While minor fractures may heal with rest and home care, it is important to know when to call a podiatrist. Seek medical attention if there is intense pain, visible deformity, numbness, or if the toe is cold or pale, indicating poor blood flow. Persistent swelling and an inability to move the toe also warrant a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is vital to prevent complications and ensure proper healing of a broken toe. If you have any of the above symptoms and believe you may have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you seek prompt attention from a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat broken toes.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are characterized by dry, thickened skin on the heels that splits or cracks. This condition often occurs due to factors such as dry weather, excessive standing or walking, improper footwear, or lack of proper foot care. When the skin becomes dry and loses its elasticity, it can crack under pressure, leading to painful fissures that may bleed or become infected, if left untreated. Prevention of cracked heels involves regular moisturizing to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Use a thick, emollient foot cream or lotion containing ingredients like urea or glycerin to help soften and moisturize dry skin. Exfoliating the heels regularly with a pumice stone or foot file can help remove dead skin cells and prevent the buildup of calluses. Additionally, wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning can reduce pressure on the heels and minimize the risk of developing cracked heels. If you have developed cracked heels that persist or become infected, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Flat feet, a condition where the arches of the feet touch the ground when you stand, can lead to overpronation. Overpronation occurs when the ankles roll excessively inward with each step during walking or running. This can cause additional strain on the ankles, knees, and hips. Overpronation can also increase the risk of injuries and discomfort due to improper alignment and distribution of body weight. People with flat feet may experience fatigue in their feet and legs, and suffer from pain in the heel or arch area. To help manage symptoms of flat feet and any issues resulting from overpronation, a podiatrist, or foot doctor, may recommend orthotic devices. These are insoles that fit into shoes to provide support for the arches, correct the pronation, and enhance overall foot function. Proper footwear that offers stability and support is also important to effectively manage overpronation. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can ensure that individuals with flat feet receive the necessary support and guidance to prevent any issues. If you have flat feet, or suspect overpronation when walking, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and possible gait analysis. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Custom-made orthotics are frequently prescribed for children to address various foot and lower limb issues. These specialized shoe inserts are tailored to each child's unique needs, correcting biomechanical imbalances and providing support where necessary. Orthotics may be needed to manage conditions like flat feet, overpronation, or foot deformities, ensuring proper alignment and preventing discomfort or injury. Involving parents in the orthotic prescription process is important for successful treatment. Educating parents about the benefits of orthotics and the importance of compliance ensures they understand their child's needs and can support treatment adherence. Follow-up appointments are critical to monitor progress, make adjustments as needed, and address any concerns. Encouraging compliance in wearing orthotics among children can be facilitated by involving them in the selection process, ensuring comfort and style preferences are considered. Additionally, positive reinforcement, praise for wearing orthotics consistently, and integrating them into daily routines can help foster acceptance and compliance. Fortunately, many children find orthotics comfortable and appreciate the support they provide for their active lifestyles. If your child has foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and care, in addition to discussing whether custom orthotics may provide relief.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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