Arthritis in the ankles and feet often feels more noticeable when weather conditions change. Many people report increased stiffness and aching during cold or damp periods. Higher humidity may contribute to joint swelling by affecting how tissues respond to pressure, while cooler temperatures can reduce circulation and increase muscle tightness around joints. Warmer climates with steady temperatures are often better tolerated because joints stay more flexible and muscles relax more easily. Dry air may also reduce the sensation of heaviness or swelling in the lower limbs. That said, climate alone does not cause arthritis, and individual responses vary widely. Wearing supportive footwear, regular movement, and proper medical care remain important regardless of location. If lower foot or ankle pain worsens with weather changes or limits daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet can result from a variety of underlying conditions that affect circulation, tissues, or overall health. An injury such as a sprain or fracture may cause localized swelling due to inflammation and fluid buildup. Edema occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues, often related to prolonged standing or poor circulation. Infection can lead to redness, warmth, and swelling as the body responds to bacteria. Heart disease may contribute to fluid retention in the lower extremities due to reduced circulation efficiency. Additionally, pregnancy commonly causes swelling because of hormonal changes and increased pressure on blood vessels. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause and provide appropriate treatment. If you notice your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. 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 office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail begins to press into the surrounding skin instead of growing outward. The first sign is often a mild soreness that appears while walking or when the toe rubs against a shoe. As the corner of the nail digs deeper, the area may become puffy, warm, or tender to even light touch. Some people notice a feeling of fullness along the side of the nail, and the skin may harden or form a small pocket of irritated tissue. If bacteria enter the area, drainage or increased redness can follow. Early attention helps prevent deeper infection and reduces the chance of recurring problems. If you see swelling, redness, or continued tenderness along the nail edge, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and proper care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Knowing when to replace walking shoes is important for protecting foot health and maintaining proper support with every step. Over time, the cushioning and stability in walking shoes gradually break down, even if the shoes still appear intact. Most walking shoes are designed to last between 350 and 500 miles, which often equals three to six months for people who walk regularly. Worn shoes can alter gait mechanics and place added stress on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower legs. Body weight, walking frequency, and surface type can all influence how quickly shoes wear out. Common signs of excessive wear include uneven sole breakdown, reduced shock absorption, visible creasing in the midsole, or changes in walking comfort. A podiatrist can evaluate walking patterns, inspect shoe wear, and recommend appropriate footwear based on foot structure and activity level. For help with foot pain caused by walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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