Swelling of any part of the body can sometimes be a clear symptom of some kind of greater problem. It might also be indicative of some kind of injury. Swelling in the feet can operate in a similar kind of way. Sometimes when an individual sprains their foot, for example, swelling can occur as a result. Swelling and bruising can often go together when they are symptoms of a foot sprain. When the feet have become swollen because of a foot sprain, one might try to remedy this problem by essentially elevating the feet. Keeping the feet raised might help in keeping the swelling down. If you want to learn more about swelling of the feet or are experiencing it yourself, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels can develop when the skin on the back part of the heels becomes so rough and dry that the skin cracks. While some cases of cracked heels will not be accompanied by any pain, others might. If you have cracked heels, it is best to go see a podiatrist. This type of foot specialist will help you identify and treat the problem. Before you go to your appointment, however, there are some steps you might consider taking in the meantime to mitigate your cracked heels. There are a variety of natural ingredients that may help reduce the effects of cracked heels. Shea butter, for instance, can be beneficial for the feet because of its moisturizing properties. Additionally, olive oil can be an extremely moisturizing agent when applied to the feet. Of course, it is always best to consult a medical professional first. See a podiatrist today to properly heal your cracked heels. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot condition known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It can gradually affect the entire foot and generally begins by causing the second and third toes to bend downward. The joints in the middle toe bend upward, resembling a hammer. If left untreated, it can be painful to walk, and blisters, calluses, or corns may form on top of the toes. Hammertoe is caused by genetic factors and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. High heels may also fall into this category of squishing the toes, so it is best to avoid high heels when you are afflicted with hammertoe. Patients can find mild relief when protective pads are worn on top of the toes and when larger shoes are worn. Certain exercises and stretches may bring strength back to the toes, and wearing orthotics may help to maintain balance. If the condition is severe, it can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and surgery may be necessary. Surgery is an effective treatment method that can permanently straighten the toes. Please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine what treatment is best for your hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many people worldwide who have heel pain. It can happen for a variety of reasons, and prompt medical treatment may bring relief. A heel spur is known to be painful, and occurs as a result of calcium deposits that build up on the bottom of the heel. In severe cases, this is often removed surgically. Plantar fasciitis is a common heel injury and happens when the band of tissue that is on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed. This is known as the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate support, and from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Heel pain may also happen from a foot injury, such as landing awkwardly on the heel. Relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and this may relieve a portion of the swelling that can accompany heel pain. Many patients find it helpful to perform specific heel stretches, including standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Heel pain is effectively treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly advised that you contact this type of doctor who can diagnose the cause, and offer you the correct treatment techniques.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Repeated pressure on the posterior tibial nerve is often the reason for the foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This nerve is located inside the tarsal tunnel that is found near the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can occur when the nerve becomes inflamed. It can happen to people who have flat feet, diabetes, or who have endured an ankle sprain. The symptoms that patients can experience can consist of a burning sensation, a feeling of pins and needles, or may feel like an electric shock. The treatment for this condition can vary from wearing braces or splints to having surgery, and this depends on the severity of the ailment. Custom-made orthotics may be worn to alleviate some of the pressure from this syndrome. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can determine why you have it and choose the best treatment option for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot affliction and source of heel pain. The condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue running along the arch of the foot. There are many ways that a podiatrist might recommend treating plantar fasciitis. For example, more conservative treatment options might include performing stretches/exercises, wearing a foot splint, wearing arch supports, or taking anti-inflammatory drugs. In other cases, effective treatment options might include shock wave therapy, which utilizes sound waves to stimulate the plantar fascia. A cortisone injection might even be attempted once to address cases of plantar fasciitis. In more severe cases, a surgical procedure might help treat a case of plantar fasciitis. If you have this foot condition, contact a podiatrist today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many individuals will suffer from a foot wound at some point in their life from some kind of cut, scrape, etc. While certain types of foot wounds can heal by themselves, individuals who suffer from diabetes might notice that it is more difficult for wounds on their bodies to heal. This is primarily due to the fact that when a diabetic’s blood sugar is abnormally high, the healing process is significantly slowed down. If you suffer from diabetes, you should not ignore wounds on your feet, as wounds left untreated can develop an infection. In very severe cases, untreated wounds may require amputation, and diabetics are more likely to undergo some kind of amputation procedure. Therefore, if you have diabetes, it might be wise to conduct a brief daily examination of your foot, scanning all parts of the foot (including between the toes) for any sign of a wound. Contact your podiatrist if you have a wound for proper treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the back of the heel is very common in sports, usually signals overuse, and mostly concerns the Achilles tendon. Most common is Achilles tendonitis, which usually starts with a mild ache, but with increased and prolonged activity can develop into severe pain. This injury, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is common among runners. Another cause of Achilles tendon pain is Sever’s disease, which occurs in adolescent children who are active in sports. It is the result of an imbalance in the growth rate of the calf muscle and the heel bone, but usually self-corrects with time. Achilles bursitis, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, is an inflammation of a small sac of fluid in the back of the heel called a bursa. Another overuse injury, it will cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. An Achilles tendon rupture indicates a complete tear, and most commonly occurs in men over the age of 40. A loud snapping noise accompanies this injury, which is often described as being struck on the back of the heel. Immediate attention to this injury is suggested. If you experience any of the above injuries, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.