Swollen feet and ankles occur when fluid builds up in the tissues, causing puffiness and discomfort. This condition can result from standing for long periods of time, hot weather, sitting too long, or lingering effects of old injuries. While mild swelling is often temporary, persistent swelling may signal underlying circulation issues, joint problems, or other medical concerns. Risk factors include aging, obesity, pregnancy, and certain health conditions, such as heart or kidney disease. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, provide treatment options, and recommend lifestyle changes or supportive footwear to reduce discomfort. If your feet and ankles are consistently swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management tips. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors 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 Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When a child begins to limp, it can be concerning for parents and caregivers. Limping may arise from something minor, such as a bruise, blister, or small cut on the foot. Sprains or strains from play or sports are also common and may lead to temporary difficulty walking. Infections like cellulitis or abscesses can cause swelling and pain, making it hard for a child to put weight on the affected foot or ankle. Structural issues, such as flat feet or leg length differences, may create an uneven gait. More serious causes include fractures or inflammatory conditions that require prompt medical attention. Because limping in children has many possible explanations, professional evaluation is important to identify the true source. If your child develops a limp that does not improve quickly, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is a common injury that occurs when one of the small bones in the foot is fractured due to trauma or excessive force. Causes often include stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or sports related accidents. Symptoms may involve pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, or visible deformity. Risk factors include participating in high impact activities, wearing improper footwear, osteoporosis, or previous foot injuries. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the fracture with imaging, providing proper treatment, and guiding recovery to ensure correct healing. If you think you may have broken your toe, do not ignore the pain. It is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this painful condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They manage a wide range of foot problems, including bunions, heel pain, arthritis, infections, and injuries. Podiatrists also develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgical procedures, when necessary. They are skilled in diagnosing complex foot and ankle conditions and can prescribe custom orthotics to support proper alignment and relieve discomfort. By addressing foot health proactively, a podiatrist helps patients maintain mobility, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. If you are experiencing foot or ankle issues, it is suggested that you promptly seek podiatric care for expert evaluation and treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.