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 Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. 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 offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle braces are a valuable tool for protecting and supporting the foot and ankle, whether preventing injuries or aiding recovery from sprains or ligament damage. Ankle braces help stabilize the joint, reducing excessive movement that could lead to further strain or injury. People with weak ankles or those prone to sprains often benefit from wearing braces during activities that put stress on the ankle. These braces can also help reduce swelling and discomfort by supporting the tendons and ligaments as they heal. There are many types of braces, including pull-on and lace-up designs, with some featuring rigid supports for enhanced stability. A poorly fitting brace may not provide adequate support, which is why consulting a podiatrist is important. This type of doctor can evaluate your injury, recommend the most suitable type of brace, and ensure it fits properly to promote healing and prevent future issues. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis to determine if a brace is needed.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are a common foot issue caused by various factors related to shoes. One primary cause is inadequate support, as shoes that lack proper cushioning or arch support can lead to friction and pressure points, increasing the risk of blisters. New shoes, especially those not fully broken in, often cause blisters due to stiffness and tightness. Stiff materials like rigid leather or synthetic fabrics, can irritate the skin and create friction. High heels are another culprit as they shift the foot's weight unevenly, leading to pressure on certain areas of the foot resulting in blisters. Seams inside shoes can also cause friction when they rub against the skin. Additionally, physical activity that involves excessive movement or sweating can cause blister formation. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods and prevent them from becoming infected.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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