Your lower extremities could begin to swell for a variety of reasons. Primarily, if you have been standing on your feet for a large portion of the day, your feet may swell. You may also notice puffiness if your salt intake is too high. For women, the feet can become swollen due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or pregnancy. Another cause is extra weight or obesity, considering the additional stress put on the feet. Some other sources of swelling include injuries, varicose veins, blood clots or a different medical condition. Swollen feet and ankles can be harmless, but occasionally they are signs of a more serious issue. Observe your feet often to see if they look enlarged, and if they do, you should contact a podiatrist who can assist you.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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