Swollen feet and ankles are a common issue among the elderly and can result from various underlying causes. One common factor is poor circulation, which becomes more prevalent with age, leading to fluid retention in the lower extremities. Conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease can also contribute to swelling, as these organs may struggle to properly regulate fluid balance in the body. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can cause joint inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to discomfort and swelling in the feet and ankles. Medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, may also have swelling as a side effect. Additionally, prolonged sitting or standing, especially during travel or sedentary activities, can cause the feet and ankles to swell. If you are elderly and are experiencing swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.  

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is common among active children, especially those who engage in sports that involve running and jumping. One frequent cause of heel pain in young athletes is termed Sever’s disease, a condition that typically affects children between 8 and 14 years old. This condition arises when the growth area where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone becomes inflamed due to the rapid growth of bones and soft tissues during puberty. Signs of Sever’s disease include pain in one or both heels, especially during or after physical activity, limping, and a tendency to walk on tiptoe. Various factors, such as flat foot posture, increased weight, and changes in footwear, may contribute to the pain. A podiatrist can assess and help manage symptoms by recommending specific footwear, using orthotics if necessary, and educating on activity modification. This approach helps children stay active while minimizing heel pain. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that frequently affects the feet and lower leg. It results from high blood sugar levels, causing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet, along with muscle weakness that can impact walking. Reduced sensation also makes it difficult to feel injuries, leading to unnoticed cuts or sores that heal slowly. Left untreated, these injuries may worsen, heightening the risk of infections and ulcers. For those with diabetic neuropathy, routine foot care is essential to prevent complications. A podiatrist can assist by evaluating the feet, monitoring any signs of damage, and providing guidance on footwear and skin care. This foot doctor can also suggest lifestyle modifications to support foot health and help manage the condition effectively. Regular checkups with a podiatrist help to reduce the risk of severe foot problems that are associated with diabetic neuropathy. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and regular treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, typically due to misalignment of some of the bones in the front of the foot. This misalignment can force the tip of the big toe toward the smaller toes, causing the base of the joint to protrude. Common causes of bunions include wearing tight or narrow footwear, hereditary foot shapes, and medical conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and persistent pain at the big toe joint. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion and recommend appropriate treatment options. Non-surgical choices include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, using protective pads, or applying orthotic devices to redistribute pressure. If non-surgical measures are ineffective, surgery may be considered to realign the bones or remove inflamed tissue. If you have developed a bunion that is causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.