Swollen feet during pregnancy, a common discomfort known as edema, can affect expectant mothers due to various physiological changes. As pregnancy progresses, the body retains more fluid to support the growing fetus and prepare for childbirth. This increased fluid retention, combined with hormonal shifts and changes in blood circulation, can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. The expanding uterus can also exert pressure on blood vessels, impeding the return of blood from the lower extremities and contributing to swelling. Additionally, the body produces more progesterone during pregnancy, which relaxes the walls of blood vessels and contributes to fluid buildup. Factors such as standing or sitting for prolonged periods, high ambient temperatures, and a diet high in sodium can also worsen swelling. While mild foot swelling is typically normal during pregnancy, severe or sudden swelling may indicate a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia, necessitating prompt medical attention. If the swelling of your feet has become a problem during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can regularly monitor this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Laser treatment for fungal nails has drawn attention as a potential solution for addressing this common and often stubborn condition. One of the significant advantages of laser therapy is its non-invasive nature, offering a relatively painless and quick procedure compared to traditional treatments like oral medications or topical antifungal creams. Laser treatment targets the fungus directly, penetrating the nail bed without causing damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, it typically requires minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure. However, laser therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and its efficacy varies among individuals. Some individuals may require multiple sessions to achieve satisfactory results, and there is no guarantee of complete eradication of the fungal infection. Overall, while laser therapy presents potential benefits for treating fungal nails, patients should weigh these against the associated drawbacks and consider all treatment options in consultation with their podiatrist. If you have toenail fungus and are considering this type of treatment, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can address any concerns you may have.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Heel spurs, a common foot condition, refer to calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They often form in response to repetitive stress or strain on the foot's ligaments and muscles. While heel spurs themselves may not cause pain, they can contribute to discomfort and inflammation in the surrounding tissues, leading to conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Heel spurs typically occur in the area where the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, attaches to the heel bone. As the body attempts to heal and repair the damaged tissues, calcium deposits may accumulate over time, resulting in the formation of a bony protrusion. Understanding the location and nature of heel spurs is essential for effective treatment and management strategies. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose heel spurs and offer you appropriate treatment methods. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.