Swelling in the ankles and feet is a common part of pregnancy, especially in the later months when the body holds more fluid and the growing uterus places extra pressure on blood vessels. While mild puffiness is normal, noticeable or uneven swelling can signal that circulation is being compromised. Standing for long periods of time, warm weather, and wearing tight shoes can all make swelling worse. A podiatrist can evaluate whether the swelling is typical or related to another condition, and may recommend gentle movement, proper footwear, or custom orthotics to improve comfort and circulation. Caring for your feet during pregnancy not only eases daily strain but also supports balance and stability as your body changes. If swelling becomes painful, persistent, or is accompanied by redness or discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for assessment and appropriate care.

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 Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. 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 office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can arise from several common conditions that affect comfort and mobility. Bunions occur when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and at the top of the toe leans toward the smaller toes, resulting in soreness and swelling. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup that triggers sudden, intense pain and redness, often in the big toe. An ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing tenderness and possible infection. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of toe pain through examination, imaging, and lab testing, offering treatments such as medication, custom orthotics, or performing minor procedures. If you have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose what is going on, and guide you toward effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

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 office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing them to become thickened, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. It is often caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. Risk factors include excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms include yellow or white streaks on the nail, foul odor, or nail separation from the nail bed. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection through examination and testing, then recommend antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail debridement. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment for toenail fungus.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

When the nerves in the lower limbs stop working as they should, it can lead to neuropathy. This often brings uncomfortable sensations such as burning, tingling, or shooting pain. In some cases, the opposite happens and the feet lose feeling altogether, which can make it easy to miss small cuts or blisters. People living with diabetes are most often affected, but poor circulation, certain illnesses, or side effects from medication can also play a part. Because healthy nerves are important for balance and movement, changes in sensation can interfere with walking and make daily activities harder. Early attention is important to prevent complications. Wearing supportive shoes, good circulation care, and regular foot checks can all make a difference. If you are noticing unusual feelings in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.