January 2023

The feet can swell up in size and shape when they experience poor circulation. However, other things may cause the feet to swell. Namely, experiencing some kind of bug bite may make the feet swell. It is very common during the warm summer months for people to get mosquito bites all over their bodies, especially on their feet. If you are experiencing swelling on the feet from a mosquito bite, there are several steps that you may consider taking. To reduce and mitigate the extent to which your feet are swelling, you might consider applying an ice pack for a short amount of time to the affected area. About 10 minutes of application time might be sufficient. Generally speaking, the mosquito bite might also be washed with soap and water. Getting a mosquito bite on the feet shouldn’t be taken lightly if there is significant swelling. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Incurring a running injury can cause physical pain and emotional discomfort. Many people may have to stop their running regime to ensure proper healing and this may be avoided when running injury prevention methods are implemented. Seasoned runners are often aware of the importance of protecting the body while running, therefore injuries may occur more often in runners who are less experienced. The majority of runners have a goal to be pain-free after their running routine is completed and this can be accomplished by properly warming up and cooling down before and after a run. Warming up and cooling down helps prepare the body to be flexible while running, which can also be beneficial in preventing an injury. Additionally, it is wise to gradually increase speed and distance which allows the body ample time to become accustomed to running. Running injuries often affect the feet so if you would like more information about effective prevention methods, please confer with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Severs’ disease is a particular kind of affliction of the foot that primarily impacts children. This condition occurs when the child, typically going through a growth spurt and engaged in some kind of physical activity, experiences heel pain. The heel bone, in relation to the heel growth plate, can become aggravated, which is a sign of Severs' disease. Although pain in the heel is a defining symptom of Severs’ disease, swelling around the heel may also develop. If a child experiences swelling around the heel and this area is also red in color, this may actually indicate that another source of pain exists. For example, this can be a sign that a stress fracture or ankle sprain may be causing pain. If you have a child that is experiencing heel pain, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor 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 our office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Most people who have diabetes are aware of the importance of taking proper care of their feet. This often begins with checking the bottom of the feet for existing cuts and scrapes and can be done by using a mirror. A caregiver or family member may be able to help with this task if the patient is unable to perform this. Many diabetic patients develop neuropathy, which is the inability to feel sensations on the feet. This can happen from nerve damage, which may occur from having elevated blood glucose levels. An additional complication of diabetes is poor circulation, which may increase the risk of developing a foot ulcer. Effective management advice for diabetic patients consists of refraining from walking barefoot, trimming the toenails correctly, and implementing a gentle exercise and stretching regime. If you have diabetes, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor and help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

A large number of people working across the globe spend their average workday standing or walking, possibly causing chronic foot pain. This can lead to having lower productivity, and many people look for ways to improve the quality of their day by having their feet feel better. People who work outside often need to wear work boots, and it is important they fit right and are comfortable. Looking for boots that are designed to relieve stress and target pressure points is necessary in reducing the risks of foot pain from working extended hours. The feet carry the weight of the body, and it is beneficial to maintain proper posture while walking throughout the day. This can help to take the weight off the bones, muscles, and tendons that are in each foot, possibly reducing additional stress. It is beneficial to take short breaks as often as possible, and it may help to slightly shift standing positions. If it is mandatory to stand for the duration of your work shift, please consult a podiatrist sooner rather than later for effective tips on how to manage foot pain from working.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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