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Ankle swelling can occur even in the absence of an injury and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. One common cause is poor circulation, which can lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Prolonged sitting or standing, especially for long periods, can also result in ankle swelling. Certain medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease, can impair the body's ability to regulate fluid, causing swelling in the ankles and other parts of the body. Additionally, high blood pressure or varicose veins can contribute to fluid retention and swelling in the ankles. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation, can also lead to ankle swelling due to changes in fluid balance. Additionally, medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, may have side effects that result in swollen ankles. If ankle swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and 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 feel free to contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle 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 Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position, often with the toes pointing downward and inward. This condition affects one or both feet and occurs during fetal development. While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Clubfoot is diagnosed shortly after birth through a physical examination, and in some cases, an ultrasound may detect it before birth. Treatment for clubfoot typically involves a non-surgical procedure known as the Ponseti method, which uses gentle stretching and casting to correct the position of the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, most children with clubfoot can lead active and healthy lives, walking without pain or disability. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for optimum recovery results.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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