Tag: Podiatric Check-ups

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blog Swollen Ankles

Why Are My Ankles Swollen?

A Podiatrist’s Checklist

You take off your socks at the end of the day and see a deep indentation around your ankle. Or perhaps you look down and realize your favorite shoes suddenly feel tight.

Is it heart failure? Is it a blood clot? Or did I just eat too much salt?

Edema (the medical term for swelling) is incredibly common, but it is also one of the top symptoms that sends people into a “WebMD Panic Spiral.” At New England Podiatry, we believe knowledge is the best antidote to such anxiety. While swelling is always a signal from your body, it isn’t always an emergency. Read on for a checklist to help you decode what your swollen feet are trying to tell you.

The “Don’t Panic” Checklist (Common & Manageable Causes)

If your swelling matches these descriptions, the cause is likely lifestyle-related or structural. While you should see a podiatrist to fix it, you probably don’t need to rush to the ER.

The “Gravity” Test

  • The Sign: Your feet are normal in the morning but puffy by 5:00 PM.
  • Likely Cause: Dependent Edema. If you sit or stand all day for work, gravity pulls fluid down. Your veins just need a little help pumping it back up.
  • The Fix: Compression socks and movement breaks.

The “Salty Meal” Effect

  • The Sign: You notice mild, squishy swelling in both feet after a weekend of eating out or holiday meals.
  • Likely Cause: Sodium Retention. Your body is holding onto water to dilute the salt.
  • The Fix: Hydrate aggressively to flush the system.

The “Summer Sausage” Toes

  • The Sign: Your fingers and toes feel swollen on a hot, humid day.
  • Likely Cause: Heat Edema. Your blood vessels dilate (open wide) to cool you down, allowing fluid to leak into nearby tissues.

The “Call Us Now” Checklist (Structural & Vein Issues)

These signs suggest a problem that won’t go away with just water and rest. You need an appointment!

The “Dent” Test (Pitting Edema)

  • The Sign: If you press your thumb into your swollen ankle for 5 seconds and it leaves a pit or “dent” that stays there, this is Pitting Edema.
  • What it Means: This often signals Venous Insufficiency. Your vein valves are weak and failing to close properly, allowing blood to pool permanently in your legs. This requires medical management to prevent ulcers.

The “One-Sided” Swelling

  • The Sign: Your left ankle is huge, but your right ankle looks fine.
  • What it Means: Asymmetry is a major red flag. It could be a structural injury (like a sprain you didn’t notice), a blocked lymph node, or a tendon issue.

The “Emergency” Red Flags (Go to the ER)

If your swelling comes with these friends, do not wait.

  • Sudden Heat & Redness: If the swollen area feels hot to the touch or looks red/purple.
  • Shortness of Breath: Swelling + trouble breathing can indicate heart issues or a clot that has traveled to the lungs.
  • Chest Pain: Never ignore this combination!

Get Answers, Not Anxiety

Stop guessing with your health. If you are tired of wondering why your shoes don’t fit, let’s find the root cause. Whether it’s weak veins, a medication side effect, or just “gravity,” we can create a plan to get the swelling down and keep you moving comfortably.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of  New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Categories
blog Foot Check-Ups

Prevent 3 Foot Conditions with Regular Check-Ups

It’s all too easy to neglect your feet and ankles until pain signals a problem. Unfortunately, by waiting that long, patients often incur other injuries and related conditions, many of which are difficult, unpleasant, or time-consuming to resolve & prevent.

Think of a podiatric checkup as an investment in your future foot health – a proactive approach that can save you from the aches, pains, and costs of more advanced conditions. New England Podiatry is all about early intervention, so we’ve put together some info on 3 common foot and ankle issues that early detection by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) can help you prevent.

1–Athlete’s Foot:

This contagious issue, one of the many fungal infections that strike at the feet, thrives in sweaty spaces such as shoes and locker rooms. Left unchecked, it spreads to your nails, causing painful cracks, itching, and burning. Early diagnosis and treatment can nip it in the bud, sparing you embarrassment and discomfort.

2–Bunions:

These bony bumps at the base of your big toe develop due to pressure and misalignment. While slow-growing, they distort your toes, leading to pain, inflammation, and walking difficulties. Regular foot checks by a DPM identify developing bunions and suggest corrective measures like orthotics or early intervention surgery, preventing the need for invasive procedures later.

3–Plantar Fasciitis:

This inflammation of the ligament supporting your arch is a common source of heel pain. Ignoring it leads to chronic discomfort, impacting mobility and daily activities. A DPM assesses your gait, recommends custom orthotics, and suggests stretches or physical therapy to address the root cause, sparing you months of pain and limitations.

It’s always best to stay a step ahead of problems before they are exacerbated by inattention or neglect, but sometimes that just isn’t possible. Luckily, New England Podiatry makes use of the most powerful and innovative technology around to treat all of the issues above. If you’re in need, we can help!

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.

Categories
blog Foot Care

Your Feet Deserve More in 2024

We’ve stepped into a fresh New Year, 2024, and it’s brimming with possibilities. Yet while resolutions often focus on distant horizons, sometimes the greatest rewards lie closer to home – right beneath our feet, to be precise!

New England Podiatry emphasizes cutting-edge treatment technology, but we’re also committed to patient education. So, this year, let’s prioritize the often-overlooked heroes of our daily journeys: Our feet.

Here are some easy-to-implement resolutions for happy, healthy feet that will carry you confidently throughout 2024:

1. Deal with Cracked Heels: Dry, cracked heels are unsightly and painful. Combat them with regular moisturizing, and consider wearing open-back shoes at home to allow your skin to breathe.

2. Clip with Care: Proper nail care is paramount! Trim your nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges that can dig into neighboring toes. Invest in quality nail clippers and disinfect them regularly.

3. Ditch the Tight Fits: Say no to toe-pinching footwear. Instead, go for shoes that comfortably accommodate your foot shape and width. Adequate space is crucial for preventing bunions, corns, and hammertoes.

4. Move it or Lose it: Regular exercise is essential for your feet, too! Gentle stretching, walking, or even dancing can improve circulation, strengthen muscles, and prevent stiffness.

5. Make Prevention a Priority: Schedule regular podiatric checkups for comprehensive foot health assessments. Early detection and preventive care can nip potential problems in the bud before they turn into more significant concerns.

6. Embrace Sock Savvy: Choose socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or wool. Avoid tight socks that can restrict circulation and promote fungal growth.

7. Treat Your Feet to a Foot Massage: Self-massage or a professional session can ease tension, improve circulation, and leave your feet feeling fresh.

Wondering what you can do to maintain good foot and ankle health? The easiest way to find out is simple: come check in with our expert podiatrists!

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III  provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Our firm has proudly served the Boston area since 1984. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to find the best solution for each individual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!