People who have swollen feet are often aware of the discomfort this condition can cause. It is common among pregnant women and generally begins in the second trimester. The medical term for swollen feet is edema, which is defined as fluid that becomes trapped in the body’s tissues. The feet and ankles are common areas for this to occur, and the fluids can pool in these areas as a result of gravity. Patients who have poor circulation may experience swollen feet, or it may happen to people who have endured a foot injury. Relief may be found when the feet are frequently elevated and compression stockings are worn. It is beneficial to reduce sodium intake, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Jill Scholz, DPM of Town Square Family Foot Care. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain can sometimes occur in people who have flat feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and this may extend into adulthood. Flat feet are defined as the foot having no arch or very low arches. This can cause an inability for the foot to lie flat on the ground and can affect posture. Some of the symptoms that patients may have with flat feet are swelling, pain, and stiffness, which may indicate an underlying disorder in adults. Flat feet can affect the alignment of the body and can compromise walking, standing, and running. The two categories of flat feet can include flexible and rigid. Children are more affected by flexible flat feet, and the arch cannot be seen while standing but will reappear while sitting down. The arch is non-existent in people who have rigid flat feet, regardless of any weight that is put on the foot. There are specific stretches that can be done to strengthen the foot. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with relief techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A sprained toe is a common foot condition. It can occur for a variety of reasons, that include an injury or accident causing the toe to bend beyond its normal range. When a toe is sprained, ligaments are overstretched or damaged. The toe may be swollen and bruised, and it can be painful to move, but walking is still possible. A Grade 1 sprain is known to be a mild sprain that consists of stretching of the ligaments and perhaps some microscopic tears. A Grade 2 sprain is a partial tear with more noticeable swelling and tenderness. A Grade 3 sprain happens when the ligament is completely torn, and the pain level is significant. Since it is difficult to distinguish between a sprained toe and a fractured toe, it is suggested that if you have sustained a toe injury, a podiatrist be consulted who can properly diagnose what has happened and provide appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jill Scholz, DPM of Town Square Family Foot Care. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It is crucial for people who are elderly to practice fall prevention techniques. The feet can easily become hurt during a fall, and this can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The home may be the first place to observe tripping hazards. This can begin with removing worn rugs from the living environment, and improving existing lighting. Many people choose to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area, in addition to using a bathmat. Engaging in a routine exercise program may help to strengthen the overall body, which can be effective in preventing falls. Additionally, having regular physical and eye examinations is useful in updating medications and eyeglasses. If you would like to know more about how to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information. 

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 Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Coralville, IA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle occurs when the ankle bone fractures. More precisely, three different bones in the ankle joint may become fractured. They are known as the tibia, fibula, and the talus. Some patients are eager to know whether or not swelling is a common symptom associated with broken ankles and how quickly swelling might occur. The answer is that a broken ankle certainly can be accompanied by swelling. Once the ankle swells, putting weight on the affected foot may be difficult and cause pain. The swelling from a broken ankle may take days or weeks to subside. If you suspect that you have broken your ankle, it is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment. This medical professional can address your concerns and offer treatment. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jill Scholz, DPM from Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

A corn can be painful, despite its small size. They generally develop as a result of excess friction caused by the shoes worn, and the pain can alter the gait, or walking style. Common places for corns to develop can be the side of the pinky toe or on top of the toes. Prevention methods can include wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly, and it may help to moisturize the feet frequently. Many people find comfort in wearing insoles or heel pads in their shoes and soaking the corn in warm water at the end of the day. This may help to soften it and can make it easier to use a pumice stone that can file down small corns. If the corns are recurring, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional prevention methods.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jill Scholz, DPM of Town Square Family Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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