Many women notice changes in their feet during pregnancy, often leading to the question of whether their feet actually grow. The answer is yes, as hormonal changes and weight gain can cause the ligaments in the feet to relax, leading to a widening and lengthening of the foot. This is largely due to the hormone relaxin, which prepares the body for childbirth by loosening ligaments. Additionally, the increased weight and fluid retention can contribute to swelling. For some women, feet may return to their pre-pregnancy size after childbirth, while others find their feet remain larger permanently. This lasting change can be attributed to factors such as age, genetics, and the amount of weight gained during pregnancy. If you have developed foot pain or other foot problems during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief solutions.

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 Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle fractures are common injuries that can occur due to trauma or falls, often requiring careful assessment for effective treatment. The Ottawa rules are clinical guidelines that help determine the need for X-rays in suspected ankle injuries, focusing on pain in specific areas and the ability to bear weight. Ankle fractures can be classified using the Danis-Weber system, which categorizes them based on the location of the fibula fracture relative to the joint that stabilizes the bones. The Lauge-Hansen classification further describes the mechanism of injury, aiding in treatment decisions. Common types of fractures include calcaneal fractures, which affect the heel bone, and Chopart fracture-dislocations that involve the midfoot. Stress fractures often result from repetitive activity. If you have incurred an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and offer effective treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers spend long hours on their feet, which makes finding proper footwear essential for both safety and comfort. Footwear for hospital workers should provide adequate support, cushioning, and shock absorption to reduce stress on the feet, legs, and joints. Features like non-slip soles, breathability, and lightweight materials can help minimize foot pain and reduce the risk of slips, blisters, and foot fatigue. It is also important to choose shoes with proper arch support, which can help prevent plantar fasciitis as well as improve posture. A well-fitted shoe that allows for some foot swelling during long shifts is key to avoiding corns and calluses. A podiatrist can help assess your specific foot type and recommend shoes that best meet your needs, reducing the likelihood of developing foot problems. If you have foot problems related to your job in healthcare, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Intoeing, commonly referred to as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet point inward when walking or standing. This alignment issue is often noticeable during infancy and can persist into later childhood. Factors that contribute to intoeing, include genetic predisposition and the natural development of the musculoskeletal system. In infants, intoeing may result from the position in the womb, as tight spaces can affect foot positioning. As children grow, it can be linked to conditions such as femoral anteversion, where the thigh bone is rotated inward, or tibial torsion, where the shinbone twists. While intoeing often improves as children grow, persistent cases may require evaluation by a podiatrist. If your child has this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively monitor intoeing.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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