Pregnancy can bring significant changes to the feet and ankles due to hormonal shifts and increased body weight. Many women notice an increase in shoe size as the ligaments relax and the arch flattens. Swelling and fluid retention are also common, especially in the ankles. Some women may experience redness and itching of the soles, often caused by elevated estrogen levels. These symptoms can lead to discomfort and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can provide supportive care through custom orthotics, guidance on proper footwear, and treatments to relieve irritation and swelling. If you are experiencing foot or ankle issues during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions returning comfort, mobility, and support throughout this important stage.

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 Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. 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 one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Capsulitis of the second toe is a condition where the ligament capsule surrounding the joint at the base of the toe becomes inflamed. This joint helps stabilize the toe during walking. Causes of capsulitis include abnormal foot structure, poor footwear, repetitive pressure, or a long second toe. Symptoms often involve pain in the ball of the foot, swelling, redness, and the sensation of walking on a pebble. Without treatment, the toe may begin to drift or overlap the big toe. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide treatment to reduce inflammation and restore alignment. If you have persistent forefoot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and relief that supports your foot health.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM of Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or pressure. This condition often affects active children between 8 and 14 years old who are involved in sports that include running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth, flat feet, poor footwear, and intense physical activity. Symptoms may include heel pain, limping, stiffness, and tenderness in the back of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever's disease through a physical exam and recommend treatments, such as rest, stretching, proper footwear, and custom inserts. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.