Swollen feet and ankles can develop from several underlying causes. Cardiovascular conditions may affect circulation and lead to fluid buildup, while hormonal changes can increase fluid retention in the body. Certain medications and infections may also trigger swelling and discomfort. Symptoms include puffiness, tight skin, and reduced mobility. Risk factors include prolonged standing, limited movement, excess weight, and aging. Edema may signal a deeper issue that requires attention. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend treatment, and improve comfort. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the reason why and offer effective treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact David Mehl, DPM of New York. 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 offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture in the foot is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure over time. These injuries often develop when the foot absorbs more force than the bones can handle. Many stress fractures occur in athletes who run, jump, or change direction frequently in sports such as basketball, tennis, and gymnastics. They can also affect runners and people who suddenly increase the intensity, duration, or frequency of exercise. The crack in the bone may be extremely small, sometimes as thin as a strand of hair, but it can still cause significant pain. Other risk factors include poor footwear, changes in training surfaces, weak bones, or abnormal foot structure that places extra pressure on certain areas. Stress fractures most often affect the metatarsals, which are the long bones that connect the toes to the midfoot. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, examine the foot, and use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and guide proper care. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact David Mehl, DPM from New York. 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 offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the small, fluid-filled sacs around the ankle joint become irritated, a painful condition known as ankle bursitis can develop. These sacs, termed bursae, cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles that support the ankle. Bursae normally reduce friction and allow the ankle to move smoothly when walking and performing other daily activities. Symptoms of ankle bursitis include tenderness, warmth, stiffness, or a visible lump near the joint. Pain often worsens with pressure or continued movement. Repetitive stress from sports, long periods of standing, or a direct injury are causes of ankle bursitis. Infection, gout and certain forms of arthritis can increase the risk. Tight or poorly fitting shoes may also place extra pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can perform a thorough examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. Treatment options include medication, custom orthotics, supportive footwear guidance, or targeted injections. If you have symptoms of ankle bursitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Mehl, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Charcot neuroarthropathy, or CN,  is a serious foot condition most often seen in people with nerve damage, especially those with diabetes. Because sensation is reduced, small injuries or stress fractures may go unnoticed. Continued walking on an injured foot can trigger inflammation, bone weakening, and joint collapse. The foot may become swollen, warm, red, and unstable, sometimes changing shape over a short period of time. Pain may be mild or absent, which can delay treatment. As the structure of the foot breaks down, pressure increases on certain areas, raising the risk of skin breakdown and ulcers. Early recognition and offloading are critical to slowing progression and protecting the foot. Management may include immobilization, custom bracing, and long-term footwear changes to maintain stability. If you notice unexplained swelling, warmth, or shape changes in your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly for evaluation and appropriate care.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact David Mehl, DPM of New York. 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 offices located in Forest Hills, and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.