Swollen Feet: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Podiatrist

At Valley Stream Podiatry, we know for many of our patients, some swelling of the feet or ankles—also called edema—is expected, particularly during the hottest months of the year. But swelling can also be a sign of a more serious condition. Pay attention to the condition of your feet, and if swelling seems to last a long while, is a regular occurrence, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important you make an appointment so our podiatrist can evaluate the condition of your feet. Below are some other conditions that can result in swollen feet.

Fracture, Sprain, or Other Injury

  • If you’ve recently twisted your ankle, hit your foot against something, or had a heavy object fall on your foot, you may have broken a bone, torn a ligament, or suffered another injury that is causing the swelling. When an injury occurs, your body responds by sending extra blood and fluids to the area to help it heal. Foot and ankle injuries can be deceiving because the pain may be inconsistent. It is also possible to bear weight and walk on a broken foot. Stress fractures, which are not the result of an acute injury but develop due to overuse, can also cause swelling.

Infection

  • Something as minor as an ingrown toenail can become infected if not treated properly, and swelling is one sign of this. If you notice redness or heat coming from the swollen area or if you also have a fever, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Disease

  • Any disorders that impact blood flow and circulation may exhibit swelling in the feet as a symptom. Since the feet are the part of the body farthest away from the heart, fluid pooling is more likely to occur there than in other areas. Some potential conditions signaled by lower extremity swelling include diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney failure, lymphoedema, and deep vein thrombosis. You can typically avoid swelling in the feet by staying hydrated, avoiding overly salty foods, wearing properly fitted shoes, and putting your feet up throughout the day. If these steps fail to reduce swelling, it’s best to contact us for a podiatric evaluation. At Valley Stream Podiatry, we're committed to helping patients stay active and comfortable throughout every season. Our experienced Foot Doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

find foot and ankle pain relief today

If foot or ankle pain is interfering with your life, schedule an appointment with Valley Stream Podiatry today. Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Michael Barkin and Dr. Sajni Shah are here to help you take every step with greater comfort, confidence, and support.

Book Your Appointment With Your Valley Stream, NY Podiatist

Valley Stream Podiatry
66 West Merrick Road
Valley Stream, NY 11580

Call 516) 986-4181 or Make an Appointment

ankle pain, foot pain, ingrown toenail, diabetic conditionsValley Stream Podiatry