Itchy feet during pregnancy, also known as pruritus, is a common issue that can range from mild irritation to intense discomfort. Shifting hormones can increase skin sensitivity, while nerve changes and skin stretching may heighten the urge to scratch. Some women experience itchy feet due to underlying skin conditions, such as psoriasis. A more serious cause is cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver-related condition that can lead to significant itching and requires prompt medical attention. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, provide soothing treatments, recommend safe skin care options, and identify signs that may need further medical testing. If you have developed itchy feet during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert guidance and effective relief tips.

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 Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain is discomfort that affects the joint connecting the foot and lower leg, an area that supports movement of the toes and calves while allowing stability during daily activities. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, changes in gait, deformity of the ankle, difficulty moving the ankle or toes, and an inability to bear weight. These issues may come from injury, arthritis, or structural problems. A podiatrist can evaluate the joint, provide a precise diagnosis, offer treatments that improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek expert podiatric care to restore comfort and function, beginning your path to relief.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to a viral infection in the skin. They can become very painful, especially when they form on weight-bearing areas, making standing or walking uncomfortable. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or weak spots. Symptoms include a rough patch of skin, tiny black dots in the center, and tenderness when pressure is applied. Children and teenagers are most vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. The virus spreads in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms and pools. Plantar warts can be painful as they grow inward on the sole of the foot as a result of walking and standing. A podiatrist can provide effective treatments that remove discomfort and prevent recurrence. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Skin ulcers on the feet are open sores that form when the skin and underlying tissue break down due to poor circulation, nerve damage, or constant pressure. Pressure ulcers develop on the heels or ankles when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to the skin. Venous ulcers form above the ankle when veins fail to circulate blood properly, causing fluid buildup and skin damage. Arterial ulcers appear on the toes, ankles, or between toes when  blood flow is reduced by narrowed arteries, leaving the skin deprived of oxygen. Neuropathic ulcers, often seen in people with diabetes, occur on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot. Nerve damage prevents pain sensation, allowing minor injuries to worsen unnoticed. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, promote healing, and help prevent limb loss. If you notice sores on the feet that do not heal properly, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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