Swelling of the feet, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues. It is often caused by prolonged standing or sitting, injury, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions, such as heart, kidney, or circulation problems. Symptoms include puffiness or tightness and discomfort that worsens as the day progresses. The feet may look enlarged or shiny, and pressing on the skin can leave a temporary indentation. Swelling can feel achy, stiff, or tender, and may limit mobility or make shoes feel tight. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed evaluation of the feet, circulation, and medical history, sometimes using diagnostic testing to determine the cause. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, compression support, targeted exercises to improve circulation, and management of contributing conditions. Early care helps prevent complications and maintains foot health. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails form when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. This can occur from improper nail trimming, pressure from footwear, toe deformities, or trauma. As the nail penetrates the skin, inflammation may develop, leading to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and painful, interfering with walking, work, and other activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the affected toe and identify contributing factors, such as gait mechanics or structural issues of the foot. Treatment includes relieving pressure, addressing infection, correcting nail growth patterns, or performing a minor in office procedure to remove the problematic nail portion. If you have pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and 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 one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot deformities are structural changes that affect the shape or function of the feet and ankles. Some are present at birth, while others develop during childhood or adulthood. Congenital deformities can cause the forefoot to curve inward, the heel or ankle to sit abnormally, or the foot to point upward or downward, which may interfere with early walking patterns. In children and adults, deformities like flat feet, high arches, or inward-rolling ankles can alter balance and place added stress on joints. Deformities that mainly appear in adulthood often involve toe alignment, including bunions and hammertoes. Widening of the forefoot or limited ankle motion that changes gait are other factors.  A podiatrist can assess alignment, joint movement, muscle strength, and walking mechanics to identify the type of deformity you may have. For help in dealing with a foot deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Neutral and stability running shoes are designed to support different foot types and running mechanics. Neutral running shoes provide even cushioning across the midsole and feature a flexible construction that allows the foot to move naturally, making them ideal for runners with a normal arch and minimal pronation. Stability running shoes, on the other hand, offer a firmer foam on the inner side of the midsole, structured sidewalls, and a broader base to improve balance and control overpronation. Choosing the correct shoe reduces injury risk and improves running efficiency. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend the most suitable shoe type, and provide custom orthotics, if necessary. If you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct running shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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