Foot Problems Questions

1. What's the Best Way to Deal With Swollen Feet and Ankles?

   The first and best way to bring down swelling (edema) in the feet and ankles is to find and treat the underlying cause, if there is one. That's why you should bring the problem to the attention of a doctor or other healthcare provider when you notice an increase in swelling in one or both feet that doesn't go down or is accompanied by pain or redness...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

2. How Do I Trim an Older Person's Toenails?

   The best way to trim the toenails of an older adult at home is to trim them straight across, if possible. Rounding the edges encourages ingrown toenails. If the nails are thick, try soaking the feet in warm water prior to trimming.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

3. Are swollen red ankles a cause for concern?

   There are many reasons that people get swelling (edema) in their feet and legs. Since your dad's feet don't seem to be getting better after cutting down on his salt intake, and elevating his legs, I would call the doctor to let him know. The fact that your dad's feet are red concerns me, as this can indicate an infection...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

4. Can smelly feet indicate a health problem?

   Chronically smelly feet can be caused by many problems, including hyperhydrosis (excess sweat), fungal infections, or stress, to name a few. Keep in mind that your feet have more sweat glands then anywhere else in the body, and they are usually trapped all day with no air ventilation in shoes...
   1 Expert Answer

5. How foods help gout pain?

   While there are no foods that have been proven to relieve symptoms of a severe gouty attack, there is some anecdotal evidence that tart cherry juice may be helpful. Food choices are extremely important in preventing attacks. It is important to avoid these types of foods: • beer • wine (especiallyally...
   1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

6. What can I do about recurring calluses on my feet?

   Recurrent foot calluses are a very difficult problem. There is no permanent cure for many types of calluses. There are ways to help your pain including regular trimmings by a podiatrist, use of creams(such as urea based creams like Carmol), and custom orthotics which can take the pressure off the painful areas...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

7. Can toenail fungus cause numbness?

   Your husband has two very common problems associated with aging: toenail fungus and numbness in the feet. It is important to realize, however, that these problems are not linked. Toenail fungus is caused by a variety of common fungi that can also cause athlete's foot...
   1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

8. What could be some causes for ankle swelling?

   There are multiple causes of ankle swelling. If the swelling is limited to one ankle, it can be caused by tendinitis, a cyst or other soft tissue mass, varicose veins, trauma, infection or arthritis, amongst other things.
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

9. What can be done for skin breaks between my toes?

   Often times, skin cracks or breaks between the toes are caused by a fungal infection known as athlete's foot. It can cause itching and burning as well. This type of skin infection should be treated with topical antifungal medication. There are several good over the counter products like Lamisil and Lotrimin...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

10. I have foot pain but my podiatrist says the swollen area is just fat!

    When a patient comes to see their podiatrist for foot pain, sometimes it is difficult to diagnose. Your foot's reaction to the treatment so far is very valuable information in establishing the true cause of your problem. There are many causes of pain in the back of the foot including tendinitis, arthritis, fractures and stress fractures to name just a few...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

11. What would cause a stinging feeling in the pads of my toes?

    There are many causes of tingling, burning or stinging in the pads of the toes. Depending on the location and which toes, it can be caused by a benign enlargement of a nerve in your foot called a neuroma. Another possibility is a condition where a nerve gets trapped at the level of the ankle...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

12. What could be causing dad's hot, itchy feet at night?

    There are several possible causes of hot and itchy feet. One of the more common causes is athlete's foot, a fungal infection of the skin. With this problem, you will likely see scaling, flaking or cracking of the skin on the bottom of the feet or between the toes...
    1 Expert Answer

13. What Causes Toenails to Become Thick and Yellow?

    There are many possible causes of yellowing, thickened toenails. The two most common are fungus and trauma.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

14. What might my mom's unexplained but severe foot pain be?

    There are so many different things that could be causing pain and swelling in your mom’s foot. Sometimes, unfortunately, the true diagnosis isn’t always obvious to even the best of doctors right away. If I were seeing your mom, there are several steps I might consider ta...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

15. Why do I get cramping in the arch of my right foot when exercising?

    There are several reasons you might be experiencing foot cramps while exercising. Here are some ideas and tips: 1. Dehydration can be a cause, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your pilates class. 2. Cramping can also be caused by a lack of potassium or calcium in your system...
    1 Expert Answer

16. What's the Best Way to Dress Bunions?

    Bunions can be very painful! Let's see if we can help your mom get relief. First, I hope she's being cared for by a podiatrist. If not, she should make an appointment. A podiatrist can be helpful with recommending shoes or supports that can reduce pain -- as well as with treatment.
    1 Expert Answer

17. Can ovarian cancer cause swelling feet and legs?

    In the case of certain cancers, particularly ovarian and colon cancers, an abdominal tumor may get big enough to press on the main veins that bring fluid back to the heart from the legs. The weight of the tumor causes the veins to narrow, so it takes more pressure to push the fluid through the veins in order to return it to the heart...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

18. What causes swollen feet?

    Many things can cause swelling of the feet. This swelling can be mild or extreme, depending on the degree of the problem causing it.
    1 Expert Answer

19. Does emphysema cause leg pain?

    You need to get checked out immediately. You should call your doctor ASAP to schedule an appointment, as several things in your letter concern me. You are only 57, but ...
    1 Expert Answer

20. What Can I Do About an Open Sore on the Foot That Won't Heal?

    A foot that has an open sore that isn't healing should be evaluated by a podiatrist or other physician for diagnosis and treatment. If the wound has been present for a while, it needs medical care both in order to avoid infection and in order to see what the underlying cause might be.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers