Pregnancy can have a significant impact on the feet, ankles, and toes due to both physical and hormonal changes. As body weight increases, the added pressure shifts the center of gravity forward, placing extra strain on the feet and ankles. This can cause discomfort and contribute to swelling, often making it difficult to find properly fitting shoes. In the later stages of pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes ligaments in the feet to loosen, which may lead to flattening of the arches, lengthening of the feet, and broadening of the forefoot. These structural changes can sometimes remain permanent, leading to ongoing issues like pain or difficulty with balance. Reduced physical activity and swelling can further aggravate foot fatigue, particularly in the third trimester. A podiatrist can assess these changes, address sources of discomfort, and provide treatment to help improve foot health. If you are experiencing foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help increase comfort and mobility.

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 Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. 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 our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Being obese, or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher, can cause serious, negative effects throughout your body, including your feet, which absorb the force of your body weight. People with a higher BMI put an increased amount of foot pressure under the heel and metatarsal heads (balls of the foot) which is where you push off to walk or run. Obesity can also change the structure of your feet, causing them to widen, putting excess strain on your ankles, and overburdening your arches. Common foot problems that cause pain and discomfort in obese individuals include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoe. Trying to reduce your body mass is a good step towards improving your overall health. Contacting a podiatrist is another good step to take to treat any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in your feet or ankles.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Calcaneal osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection in the heel that can develop after a puncture wound to the foot. When bacteria enter through a deep wound, they can reach the bone and cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Early care is vital to prevent serious complications. Cleaning the wound thoroughly, avoiding pressure on the heel, and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist can reduce the risk of infection. This foot doctor can diagnose the condition through imaging tests and provide treatment that may include antibiotics, wound care, and surgical management, if necessary. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an examination and offer appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.