During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes that often affect the feet, toes, and ankles. Hormonal shifts relax ligaments, which can lead to developing flat feet and causing overpronation, which can result in discomfort or balance issues. Increased weight and a growing uterus place extra stress on the arches, potentially resulting in heel pain. Swelling in the feet and ankles is caused by increased blood volume and fluid retention, which may make shoes feel tighter. Changes in nail health, such as brittleness or ridges, are also frequently observed. Foot changes during pregnancy can be worsened by prolonged standing or improper footwear. A podiatrist can assess and address these concerns by recommending appropriate footwear, custom orthotics, and professional care for swelling or nail-related conditions. While many changes resolve after the baby is born, some may persist, and timely attention can prevent further complications. If you are experiencing foot discomfort during pregnancy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and necessary treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors 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 Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Laser treatment has become a popular option for treating fungal toenails, offering both advantages and limitations. One of the key benefits is its non-invasive nature, as the laser targets the fungus without the need for medications or surgical procedures. This method is typically painless, with minimal recovery time required. Additionally, laser treatment is effective in reaching the fungus deep within the nail, making it suitable for chronic or severe cases. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Laser treatment can be costly and may not be covered by insurance, making it an expensive option for some individuals. Furthermore, multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results, and the treatment does not guarantee complete eradication of the fungus in every case. While many people find success with laser treatment, it is important to consult a podiatrist to determine if it is the right option for your specific condition. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can determine if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Gout is a painful condition that can lead to severe joint damage over time. When conservative treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes fail to manage symptoms, surgery may become necessary. One option is to remove tophi, deposits of uric acid crystals that form under the skin often around joints. Tophi removal can relieve pain and prevent further joint damage. In cases where the joint is severely damaged, joint fusion may be recommended. This procedure involves fusing the bones of the affected joint to eliminate pain and improve stability. Another surgical option is joint replacement, which involves removing and replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic. This is usually reserved for severe cases where joint function is significantly impaired. Gout surgery is typically considered when the condition causes chronic pain, deformity, or loss of function that nonsurgical methods cannot address. If you have painful gout episodes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss treatment options with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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