As people get older, the feet and ankles have a higher blood volume level, which often results in having swollen feet and ankles. This generally produces little or no pain, despite the fact that some patients find it difficult to move their ankles as they once did. Swelling of the feet can occur for many reasons. A common concern is additional salt in the diet, as this may cause water retention. An antidote may be drinking plenty of fresh water daily, which is helpful in moving the fluids around in the body. Many people can develop swollen feet if they sit for extended periods of time, and this is common while flying. Additionally, blood can collect in the ankles in warm climates, and gravity may contribute significantly toward this. Losing weight, in addition to reducing sugar intake and avoiding unhealthy fats, may help to control swollen feet and ankles. Relief may come from elevating the feet as often as possible, and this is typically effective when coupled with other methods to reduce existing swelling. If you suffer from swollen feet and ankles, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper management of this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When a child complains about pain in their leg, it might be coming from a problem with their foot. Flat feet, or feet without a well-developed arch, is common among children. While some kids might not experience any symptoms of flat feet, others might feel cramping or tenderness in their feet, lower leg, or knee. They might limp or show an aversion to athletic activities and walking because of pain in their feet. While foot pain in children might be from growing, it could be something else that deserves examination by a qualified podiatrist. They might have a structural abnormality of the foot that requires orthotics or surgery. If your child complains of foot or leg pain, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose their condition and offer treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

People who have had athlete's foot are aware of the discomfort it can cause. The skin often becomes dry, red, and can itch too. It is considered to be a fungal infection and typically affects the soles of the feet and between the toes. It is a contagious infection and appropriate shoes are suggested to be worn while in public swimming areas, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This fungus lives in warm and moist environments including socks and shoes that are wet. There are three types of athlete's foot. A toe web infection can cause the skin to peel and crack between the third and fourth toes. Cracked skin on the heel can be referred to as a moccasin-type infection, and a blister on the sole of the foot is known as a vesicular type of infection. There are effective prevention techniques for athlete’s foot including keeping the feet clean and dry, refraining from sharing towels or shoes, and alternating the shoes worn daily. If you have been affected by athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best type of treatment is for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Patients who have heel spurs may describe the feeling as stepping on a thumb tack. The pain may be worse in the morning upon arising and it is often difficult to walk. A heel spur is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the bottom of the heel and can be diagnosed by having an X-ray performed. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include pain that travels from the heel to the lower leg and the affected heel may feel warm. It can gradually develop as a result of standing on hard surfaces for extended periods or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people who have heel spurs also have an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. These two conditions have similar symptoms and need to be properly diagnosed for effective treatment to begin. Mild relief may come from taking frequent breaks and elevating the feet, and it can help to massage the heel. Different types of shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the heel spur and provide additional comfort. If you have a heel spur, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment options for you which may include surgery.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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