Many infants and young children have naturally plump feet due to healthy baby fat, which is soft, symmetrical, and not painful. Swollen feet, however, may appear stretched or shiny and can be accompanied by redness, warmth, or tenderness to the touch. Unlike normal fullness, swelling may cause discomfort or sensitivity when pressure is applied. Common causes include wearing improper shoes, minor bruises from bumps, insect bites, or mild infections. Persistent swelling should never be ignored, especially if a child shows signs of pain or difficulty standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend proper footwear, and provide appropriate treatment. If you notice your child’s feet look swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and 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 Central Texas Foot Specialist. 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 Georgetown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The right pair of running shoes can make every step feel easier, lighter, and more stable. Since feet vary widely in shape, flexibility, and arch height, the shoe that works for someone else may not be the best match for you. A good fit begins with understanding how your foot moves. Some runners roll inward, others outward, and many stay fairly centered, and each pattern benefits from different levels of support. Cushioning also matters because it absorbs repetitive impact and helps protect the heel and forefoot during longer distances. Trying on shoes later in the day, when your feet are slightly larger, often leads to a more accurate fit. There should be enough room in the toe box for natural movement without slipping at the heel. If you are dealing with discomfort, recurring injuries, or unsure of which type of shoe can keep you comfortable and efficient, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert guidance.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Texas Foot Specialist. 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 Georgetown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition often develops due to wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes or from a congenital pincer nail deformity that causes the nail to curve excessively. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness in the corner of the nail fold, along with redness, swelling, and irritation. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the condition, relieve discomfort, and safely treat the affected nail. If you have persistent toe pain or signs of an ingrown toenail,it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Texas Foot Specialist. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

The complex structure of the foot is designed to support body weight and allow smooth movement while standing and walking. It contains 26 bones that work together to provide strength, balance, and flexibility. The tarsal bones form the rearfoot and ankle, creating a stable foundation, and help to absorb impact. The metatarsals make up the midfoot and act as supportive beams that distribute weight across the foot during standing and motion. Additionally, the phalanges are the toe bones, which assist with balance and push off during walking. When these bones are not functioning properly, pain and instability can occur. A podiatrist can evaluate foot anatomy, diagnose problems, and create treatment plans to restore proper function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Texas Foot Specialist. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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