Swollen feet and ankles occur when excess fluid accumulates in the lower extremities, causing puffiness, discomfort, and limited mobility. This condition can result from a variety of underlying causes, including foot and ankle injuries that impair circulation, deep vein thrombosis where blood clots block veins, heart failure that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, or kidney disease that interferes with fluid balance. Swelling may be accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or a feeling of heaviness. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of the swelling, recommend appropriate treatment, suggest supportive footwear or orthotics, and offer therapies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you notice persistent swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM of Foot and Ankle Care Center. 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 contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many women experience foot problems during pregnancy due to hormonal and physical adjustments in the body. Increased levels of certain hormones loosen the ligaments. This allows the arches of the feet to flatten under the added weight, which can lead to pain or changes in alignment. The extra pressure on the feet can also cause swelling, known as edema, as fluid accumulates in the lower legs and ankles. This can make shoes feel tight or uncomfortable. A shifting center of gravity often alters posture and gait, placing additional strain on the feet and ankles. Some women notice their feet become longer or wider as a result of these changes. A podiatrist can evaluate changes in arch height, swelling, or pain, and recommend orthotics or supportive footwear to improve comfort and stability. If you have foot pain related to pregnancy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. 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 Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures in female athletes often develop from repeated stress on the bones of the foot, such as the metatarsals or navicular, rather than from a single injury. These hairline fractures can result from overtraining, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, or low bone density, which is sometimes linked to hormonal changes. Symptoms of stress fractures often start as mild aching in the foot during activity and progress to sharp pain that worsens with continued exercise. Swelling or tenderness over a specific bone can also occur. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture by assessing foot pain, ordering an MRI or bone scan, and identifying biomechanical issues that contribute to excess stress on the foot. Treatment may involve using a brace or walking boot, or in some cases, surgery to help the bone heal properly. If you are a female athlete at risk of stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone by an injured ligament, tendon, or muscle. This injury often happens during a sudden twist, fall, or misstep, and it can involve surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. Most patients recover in about four to six weeks with proper care and protection. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with imaging, guide your treatment, support healing of the soft tissues, and help restore strength and stability to the ankle. If you have ankle pain after an injury or have trouble putting weight on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the injury.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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