April 2021

A common symptom of pregnancy that many women experience is swollen ankles. This can happen as a result of the growing fetus, and may become worse in the warmer weather. Additionally, it can be uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses, and relief may be found when specific lifestyle changes are implemented. These can include drinking plenty of fresh water daily, frequently elevating the feet, and it may help to sleep on the left side. Many women find that it may help to refrain from crossing the legs, in addition to exercising, and performing specific stretches. If you would like more information about how pregnancy affects the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when you overstretch or tear one or more of the ligaments in your ankle. This injury can range from a mild sprain with slightly overstretched ligaments, to a severe sprain in which the ligaments have fully ruptured. The time that it takes to fully recover from an ankle sprain varies depending on the severity of the injury. Ankle sprains are common in people who play sports or run. After being sidelined by an ankle sprain, many athletes are eager to get back to exercising before they have fully recovered, leading to recurrent ankle sprains and injuries. If you have sprained your ankle, it is important to give the ankle enough time to heal fully. You can help the healing process along by resting your ankle and doing simple stretches to retain flexibility and range of motion. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Blisters on the feet are generally caused by excess friction from your shoes rubbing repeatedly against an area of skin. The fluid-filled skin bubble referred to as a blister forms to protect the raw skin underneath it. Despite being annoying and causing mild pain or discomfort, most blisters are not serious and heal on their own. However, sometimes a blister may become infected, especially if it has popped, torn, or been picked at. Signs of an infection in a blister include worsening redness, pain, tenderness, and swelling around the blister. It may also begin to drain cloudy fluids or pus, or have yellowish crusting around it. If you suspect that your blister may be infected, please see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Ankle fractures can be classified into two different types based on which bone is broken. A tibial fracture, in which the shin bone breaks, is usually the result of a direct injury such as falling down the stairs. Tibial fractures often take longer to heal and recover from. A fibula fracture occurs when the thinner bone that runs along the outside of the lower leg is broken. The fibula may fracture in response to an impact to the leg or ankle. Repetitive impacts can lead to a stress fracture of the fibula, in which tiny cracks appear in the fibula bone. In severe fibula fractures, the bone may become displaced, causing a visible deformity. Regardless of which bone is injured, ankle fractures usually cause swelling, pain, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle. If you have a broken ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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