Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Bowie, MD 20716

When Swelling Develops in a Lower Limb

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

The lower limbs include the parts of the body from the knee down to the foot and toes. Podiatrists often treat conditions that affect this region because problems in the leg, ankle, or foot can affect walking and balance. Swelling in the lower limb can occur for many different reasons. Common causes include injuries such as sprains or fractures, infections, inflammation of joints, or problems with tendons and ligaments. Circulation issues can also lead to swelling, especially when veins have difficulty returning blood from the legs back to the heart. In some cases, fluid builds up in the tissues, causing the leg, ankle, or foot to appear puffy or tight. Long periods of standing, certain medications, and medical conditions may also contribute. Because swelling can signal many different problems, proper evaluation is important. If you notice persistent swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Sunday, 29 March 2026

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

How Children’s Feet Grow and Change

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Children’s feet go through many changes as they grow. At birth, the foot is soft and flexible, with bones that are still forming. As a child begins to stand, walk, and run, the structures of the foot gradually strengthen and develop. Muscles, ligaments, and bones work together to support balance and movement. It is common for young children to appear flat-footed because a layer of soft tissue hides the developing arch. As growth continues, the arch usually becomes more visible. However, some children may experience discomfort, unusual walking patterns, or fatigue in their feet or legs. These concerns can sometimes be linked to alignment differences or other structural factors. Early attention can help support healthy development and comfortable movement. If you notice ongoing foot pain, frequent tripping, or uneven shoe wear in your child, it is suggested that you seek an evaluation by a podiatrist to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

When the Talus Bone Is Fractured

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

A fractured talus can cause intense ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty walking because this bone connects the leg to the foot and helps control movement. It supports the ankle joint and the subtalar joint, which is located below the ankle and allows the foot to move side to side on uneven surfaces. The injury often follows a strong impact like a fall, and people may notice bruising, stiffness, and trouble moving the ankle or toes. A podiatrist can evaluate foot stability, check circulation and nerve response, and order imaging to see whether the bone has shifted. A stable fracture can be managed with a cast to limit motion, while a displaced fracture can require surgery to realign the bone. Without proper healing, arthritis can develop or the bone can heal in the wrong position. If you have symptoms of a talus fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

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Common Causes of Toe Pain

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to underlying medical conditions. Wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes can compress the toes, leading to discomfort, corns, or calluses. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Sprained or stubbed toes from accidental trauma can also result in pain and difficulty walking. Medical conditions like gout may cause sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling in the toes. Risk factors include high-impact activities, improper footwear, previous injuries, and certain health conditions. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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.