Swelling of the feet can occur for several reasons related to circulation, fluid balance, or underlying health conditions. This condition, known as edema, develops when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the lower extremities. These help to support body weight and assist in returning blood toward the heart. Common causes of swelling include prolonged standing or sitting, injury, or medical conditions that affect how fluid is regulated in the body. The feet may appear puffy or enlarged, and the skin can feel tight or look shiny. Some people notice an indentation after pressing on the area. A podiatrist can evaluate the swelling through a physical exam and may recommend imaging or coordinate care to determine contributing factors. Treatment options include compression, elevation, and supportive footwear. Targeted exercises to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup may be suggested. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. 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 Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Finding the right shoe for walking or running is important for protecting the feet and supporting proper movement. Walking and running place different levels of stress on the feet, so each activity requires a specific type of shoe. Walking shoes are often more flexible, allowing the foot to roll forward smoothly. Running shoes are usually lighter, with thicker cushioning to absorb repeated impact. A poor shoe choice can place extra strain on the heel, arch, and ankle, which may lead to pain or injury during or after activity. Proper fit is also important, as shoes that are too tight or too loose can affect balance and pressure distribution. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, analyze walking or running patterns, and recommend appropriate footwear or custom orthotics to improve comfort and function. If you have foot pain after walking or running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Zumba dancing is an energetic activity that helps strengthen the bones of the feet through repetitive weight-bearing movement. This type of exercise supports the maintenance of bone density, which is essential for preventing weakness and injury. The dynamic steps in Zumba improve balance and coordination while also enhancing muscle strength in the feet and ankles. Increased joint mobility is another benefit, allowing for better flexibility and reduced stiffness during daily activities. Regular participation can contribute to overall foot health and stability. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and address any discomfort that may arise from this activity. If you have developed foot pain from Zumba dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on staying active while protecting your feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe can sometimes be confused because several conditions affect the same joint. Two common causes are turf toe and gout, but they develop for very different reasons. Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint. It usually occurs when the toe bends upward too far during sports or sudden movement. Patients often notice pain, swelling, and stiffness at the base of the big toe, especially when pushing off while walking or running. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals inside the big toe joint. The pain from gout often appears suddenly and may become severe within hours. The joint may look red, swollen, and feel very warm to the touch. A podiatrist can evaluate the symptoms, review medical history, and use imaging or testing to identify the exact cause. If you are experiencing significant pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. 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 contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.