Swelling of the feet, also called edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the lower extremities. Symptoms include puffiness, tight or shiny skin, aching, and heaviness, often worsening by the end of the day. The feet and ankles may look enlarged, feel warm, and leave an indentation when pressed. It may feel uncomfortable, stiff, or painful in shoes and during walking. Causes range from prolonged standing, injury, and obesity to circulation issues or kidney conditions. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating medical history, examining the feet and ankles, assessing circulation, and identifying potential underlying causes. Treatment options include footwear guidance, elevation strategies, and targeted treatment of contributing foot conditions. Early podiatric care helps reduce discomfort, prevent skin breakdown, and improve mobility. If you are dealing with ongoing swelling of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. 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 Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own joints, and the small joints of the toes are often among the first to show signs of trouble. Early signs may include stiffness in the morning, swelling that makes shoes feel tight, or tenderness when pushing off during walking. As the condition progresses, the joints can lose stability, causing the toes to drift, curl, or feel less flexible than before. Some people develop pressure beneath the ball of the foot as alignment shifts, which can lead to discomfort with even short periods of standing. These changes can make movement more tiring and limit comfortable footwear choices. A podiatrist can assess the joints, recommend supportive shoes, provide inserts that improve alignment, and offer targeted treatments that ease irritation. If your toes are changing or becoming painful due to rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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