Swollen feet, or edema, occur when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the feet and ankles, leading to puffiness, discomfort, and difficulty walking. While swelling can be linked to heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, other causes include kidney or liver problems, poor circulation, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and certain medications. Recognizing the underlying cause is essential for preventing complications and maintaining mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate swelling, assess foot and ankle health, and provide treatments such as compression therapy, supportive footwear recommendations, and guidance on lifestyle changes to reduce fluid retention. If your feet are swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. 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 contact our offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Being overweight places extra stress on the feet with every step, and women can be especially affected as they get older. Added body weight increases pressure on foot joints, soft tissues, and the heel, which can lead to soreness, stiffness, or swelling. Pain often develops in areas that carry the greatest load, such as the ankles, midfoot, and toes. Wearing shoes with inadequate support, spending long hours standing, and wearing flip-flops can increase strain. Extra body weight can also change gait, causing the arch to flatten and increasing the pull on ligaments and tendons. This can interfere with walking and limit activity, creating a cycle where discomfort makes movement harder. A podiatrist can evaluate the feet, recommend better shoe choices, prescribe orthotics, or discuss additional treatment options. If you are experiencing foot pain linked to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and safe treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Choosing shoes for a toddler is an important step because their feet are still developing and the bones are soft. Bare feet at home help new walkers learn balance, but shoes for outdoors are needed to protect the feet from rough or cold ground. When selecting shoes for a toddler, look for soft materials, flexible soles, and fastenings that hold the foot securely without squeezing the toes. There should be enough space at the front for toes to move and spread, and the heel should not slip. Canvas, cotton, or leather help keep the feet cool, while synthetic materials can trap moisture. Your toddler’s shoes should be checked frequently because their feet grow quickly and tighter shoes can inhibit normal foot growth. A podiatrist can evaluate your toddler’s feet and offer advice on proper fit. For help in selecting the proper footwear for a toddler or to address any existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and  appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. 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 offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Newborn feet can look unusual at first, and much of this comes from how the baby was positioned in the womb. Some infants have feet that curve inward, called metatarsus adductus, which often improves naturally as they begin to move and grow. Others may appear flat-footed because the arch has not yet formed. Occasionally, a foot may point upward or downward due to soft tissues still adjusting after birth. Most of these early differences resolve over time with gentle movement and normal development, but some may benefit from closer observation. A podiatrist can evaluate flexibility, check alignment, and offer guidance to support healthy growth. If your newborn’s feet look unusual or if you notice little improvement as they grow, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and reassurance.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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