Items filtered by date: June 2023

Many women experience discomfort during their pregnancy, and their feet are often affected. Foot pain and swelling often happen in the second or third trimester, making it difficult to complete daily tasks. The noticeable weight gain may cause plantar fasciitis to develop, as a result of the extra weight the heel and arches have to bear. This is a condition that targets the plantar fascia and causes it to become torn or inflamed. Edema is the medical term for swollen feet and is common among pregnant women. It happens from the extra fluids that the body naturally produces to support the growing fetus, and may pool in the feet and ankles. Foot pain may be managed by performing daily stretches which can help to increase blood flow and diminish soreness. Swollen feet may be helped by reducing sodium intake, and drinking plenty of water daily. If your pregnancy causes you to have foot pain or swollen feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief 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 Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor 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 office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many students go back to school after having worn flip-flops most of the summer. Flip-flops are enticing footwear for young people because they are inexpensive, come in many colors, and can be fashionable. However, these sandals do not cushion or support feet and will often lead to foot problems. It is not generally known that new bone growth continues in the heels of feet through the teen years. Flip-flops do not cushion the heel and repeated stress from walking in these shoes can lead to heel inflammation in the bone growth area and cause pain. In addition to heel and arch pain, flip-flops can lead to sprained ankles, cuts and scrapes, and callus buildup on the heels and toes. Stretching exercises and shoe inserts can help with pain incurred from wearing these shoes, but reducing the time flip-flops are worn and keeping them for beach-going or around pools is best. If your child has foot pain after wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist who can assess the damage and provide proper treatment.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

Restless leg syndrome, referred to as RLS and also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition where an individual experiences tingling sensations and an urge to move the legs. It can also include a desire to move the feet and can be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms of this ailment typically worsen at night and interfere with sleep. While there is no cure for this syndrome, there may be help to relieve symptoms and increase sleep quality. It is beneficial to find the root cause of restless leg syndrome so that treatment can be more effective. Things that can lead to RLS include sleep deprivation, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, certain medications, or renal insufficiency. Movement, such as exercise and stretching, consuming healthy foods, and getting massages may help. If you have restless leg syndrome and it is interfering with the quality of your life, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment methods that are tailored to you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Different kinds of relatively rare conditions of the feet affect a small number of people. A condition known as erythromelalgia is one such type of foot affliction. Erythromelalgia is essentially defined by a burning and redness that can develop in the feet. However, the symptoms of erythromelalgia are not confined to the feet. Namely, the symptoms of this condition can also be felt in the hands, arms, legs, and even the face area. Another important symptom that is associated with erythromelalgia is warmness in the skin. Certain activities can trigger one’s erythromelalgia, including feeling stressed and wearing tight shoes. If you are someone that wants to learn more about erythromelalgia and other rare foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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