Swollen feet are common during pregnancy, especially as the day comes to an end. This swelling, called edema, happens when the body holds more water than usual. Extra fluid can gather in the lower part of the body because gravity pulls it downward. Additionally, a growing womb can place pressure on blood vessels, making it harder for blood and fluid to return from the legs. Feet and ankles may look puffy.

Several pregnancy changes can increase the risk of swollen feet. Standing for long periods of time can encourage fluid to collect around the ankles. Warm weather, body weight and less movement may also contribute. Swelling is often more noticeable late in pregnancy. Although mild swelling can be normal, sudden or severe swelling needs prompt medical attention. Swelling with severe headache, vision changes, or shortness of breath should be evaluated because these symptoms can signal a complication.

You can take simple steps to manage pregnancy-related foot swelling. Avoid standing for long periods of time, and change positions regularly. When resting, elevate your feet when possible. Gentle foot exercises can help circulation. Rotate your feet in circles, then point and flex each foot. Comfortable shoes can reduce pressure. A podiatrist can examine your feet and ankles, review your symptoms, and determine whether another foot condition is contributing. Treatment may include footwear recommendations or activity guidance.

Pregnancy swelling usually improves with rest and after delivery, but persistent discomfort should not be ignored. Keep track of when swelling appears and whether one foot becomes more swollen. A podiatrist can monitor changes and recommend care. If your feet are swollen during pregnancy and are causing difficulty in completing daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. 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 Vancouver, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation happens when blood does not flow effectively to parts of the body. The feet are vulnerable because they are far from the heart. Reduced blood flow can limit the oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues. Signs can include numbness, tingling, and swelling. The feet can also feel unusually cold or develop changes in skin color. Poor circulation can contribute to aching or cramping in the legs and feet. Wounds can also heal more slowly when the tissues do not receive enough blood.

Several health problems can interfere with circulation. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up inside arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. When this problem affects the limbs, it is called peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels and contribute to circulation problems. Blood clots can restrict or completely block blood flow. Smoking can narrow blood vessels and increase plaque buildup. Limited physical activity can also raise the risk of conditions linked to poor circulation. These causes make persistent changes in the feet important to evaluate.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for signs that blood flow is reduced. The evaluation can include checking skin color, temperature, and pulses in the feet. A podiatrist can also look for sores that are healing slowly and changes in the toenails or skin. Tests can help determine whether circulation problems are affecting the lower limbs. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of reduced blood flow. Early evaluation is important because poor circulation can interfere with wound healing and increase the risk of serious foot complications. Regular podiatric care can help protect vulnerable feet and identify concerning changes before they become more severe. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

A bump on the big toe can be uncomfortable and may make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Several conditions can cause a bump, including a bone spur, bunion, or gout. Each condition has varied causes, symptoms, and treatment needs. Recognizing causes can help you know when to seek podiatric care and prevent discomfort from becoming worse.

A bone spur is an extra growth of bone that may form around a joint because of arthritis, repeated stress, or a previous injury. It can create a bump, stiffness, or discomfort when shoes press against the area. A bunion develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint at its base to become more prominent. Bunions may cause swelling, redness, and shoe pressure. Gout is inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting inside a joint. It often causes pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe.

Risk factors depend on the condition. Bunions may be linked to family history, foot structure, and restrictive footwear. Bone spurs may develop with arthritis, repeated stress, or previous joint injuries. Additionally, gout risk can increase with elevated uric acid levels, family history, and dietary factors. A podiatrist can examine your foot, review the symptoms, and order imaging to identify the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying problem and its effect on comfort and mobility. Options include wearing roomy shoes, protective padding, or custom orthotics. Gout treatment may focus on reducing inflammation and preventing attacks. Persistent bunions or painful bone spurs may sometimes require surgery when conservative care does not provide relief. If you notice a bump on your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Toenail fungus is an infection that develops beneath the toenail and can affect people of any age. Older adults have a higher risk of developing it. The infection can begin under the tip of a toenail and gradually spread across the nail. Signs include discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. The edge of the nail can also begin to crumble. Different types of fungi can cause the infection. Toenail fungus can spread to the skin between the toes, where it can lead to athlete’s foot.

Certain health conditions can make toenail fungus more concerning. Diabetes or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of complications because the body has more difficulty fighting infection. An untreated fungal infection can spread beyond the toenails to other areas of the body. It can also permanently damage the affected nail. Toenail fungus can be difficult to eliminate and can return after treatment. Delaying care can make the infection harder to treat. For this reason, changes in nail color, texture, or thickness deserve attention before the problem becomes more severe.

A podiatrist can examine an affected toenail and determine whether fungus is responsible for the changes. This is important because other nail problems can resemble a fungal infection. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s health. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate antifungal treatment and monitor how the nail responds. In severe or painful cases, treatment can involve removing part or all of the affected nail. Because toenails grow slowly, visible improvement can take several months. Prompt treatment can also help reduce the chance that the infection will spread or cause lasting nail damage. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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