Items filtered by date: January 2025

Foot injuries in the workplace are common and can range from minor discomfort to serious conditions. One of the most frequent injuries is sprains, often caused by slipping, tripping, or falling. These injuries can result from wet or uneven flooring, cluttered work areas, or wearing improper footwear. Another common issue is fractures, which can occur when heavy objects are dropped on the foot or when employees experience accidents during physical activities. Cuts and puncture wounds are also frequent, particularly in workplaces where sharp tools or machinery are used. Repetitive stress injuries, such as tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, can result from standing for long periods of time or performing repetitive motions, putting strain on the feet. Poor posture or improper footwear can also contribute to long-term foot problems. If you have had a foot or ankle injury while working, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat various foot conditions, so you can promptly return to work.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Swollen feet are a common issue and can occur due to various reasons, often related to lifestyle or underlying health conditions. One of the primary causes is standing or sitting for long periods, as this can prevent proper circulation and cause fluid to accumulate in the feet. Consuming too much salt can also contribute to swelling, as excess sodium causes the body to retain more water. Pregnancy is another common cause, as the body undergoes significant changes, leading to increased fluid retention and pressure on the veins in the legs. Injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can also cause localized swelling as the body responds to inflammation. Being overweight puts added pressure on the feet, which can strain the circulation system and lead to swelling. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Children involved in running activities are at risk for various foot and ankle injuries, often linked to overuse or biomechanical issues. Common foot conditions include Sever’s disease, which causes heel pain due to stress on the growth plates, and Iselin’s disease, which leads to pain on the outer edge of the foot from repetitive stress. Overtraining, sudden increases in activity, and wearing improper footwear can contribute to stress fractures in foot bones, which are often identified through localized pain that worsens with movement. Additionally, children undergoing growth spurts may experience increased muscle tightness and decreased flexibility, which heighten the risk of running injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s foot structure, recommend orthotics for support, and address any biomechanical concerns to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further issues. If your child has foot pain after physical activity, especially running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Pinky toe pain can be caused by a variety of factors, often resulting from injury, pressure, or underlying medical conditions. One common cause is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, which put pressure on the pinky toe and lead to pain, blisters, or even bunions. Another potential cause is a stubbed toe or trauma to the foot, resulting in bruising or swelling. Conditions like hammertoe or gout can also lead to discomfort in the pinky toe, causing it to become stiff, inflamed, or deformed. Symptoms of pinky-toe pain include aching, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the toe. In more severe cases, the toe may appear bruised, crooked, or misaligned. If the pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent further issues.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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