How Pregnancy Affects Foot Health

During pregnancy, foot problems often arise due to weight gain, fluid retention, and hormonal changes. The hormone relaxin, which loosens joints to prepare for childbirth, also affects the feet by weakening ligaments and flattening arches. This can lead to fallen arches, overpronation, and heel or arch pain. As the body’s weight increases, more pressure is placed on the feet, sometimes resulting in plantar fasciitis or general foot fatigue. Swelling in the feet and ankles, particularly in the later months, is also common due to increased blood volume and fluid accumulation. Toenail growth may change, and swelling can contribute to the development of painful ingrown toenails. These issues may make walking or standing uncomfortable and increase the risk of balance problems. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide custom orthotics, and offer safe and effective treatment options to address pain or pressure. If you have foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Foot Care for Pregnant Women

Finding Relief for a Broken Pinky Toe

A broken pinky toe often results from direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it. This leads to pain, swelling, bruising, or a crooked appearance. Most fractures happen at the base of the pinky toe, though other foot injuries like sprains, dislocations, or stress fractures can produce similar symptoms. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check for signs of a fracture, and order X-rays if necessary. Treatment for may involve taping the pinky toe to a neighboring toe, using a stiff-soled shoe, or recommending limited weight-bearing with crutches. In some cases, a cast may be required to immobilize the area. Surgery might be considered when the bone fragments do not align properly or when multiple breaks occur. It is important not to ignore a suspected fracture, as doing so may increase the risk of long-term foot problems. If you have injured your pinky toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Poor Balance Can Increase Risk of Falls

As people age, changes in the feet, toes, and ankles can make it harder to stay steady, increasing the risk of falling. Balance depends on strong muscles, flexible joints, and healthy nerves that help the brain sense body position. When nerve damage, arthritis, fallen arches, or toe deformities occur, they may interfere with these functions. Loss of sensation in the feet, often linked to diabetic neuropathy, can make it difficult to detect changes in walking surfaces. Stiff joints or painful foot problems may limit the natural movement needed for stability. Even subtle foot issues can affect walking patterns and overall balance. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, nerve function, and joint health to identify causes of instability. Depending on the findings, treatment may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, or surgery to correct deformities. If you notice a loss of balance or have fallen and injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective fall prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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Managing Foot Crush Injuries

Foot crush injuries are severe and often involve multiple fractures, soft tissue damage, and potential complications. These injuries typically occur when a heavy object falls on or rolls over the foot, often in traffic accidents or workplace incidents involving machinery. The midfoot, including the cuboid and cuneiform bones, may be fractured. There also can be damage to the heel pad or surrounding tissue. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and in some cases, numbness or loss of mobility. Because these injuries often affect the foot’s ability to bear weight, surgery may be needed to stabilize the bones, especially when the structural arch of the foot is damaged. Managing traumatic foot injuries requires a careful evaluation of bone alignment and tissue viability. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the extent of injury, recommending surgery if needed, and guiding recovery to restore function and prevent complications. If you have experienced foot trauma, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Foot and Ankle Trauma

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