Swelling, also known as edema, affects millions of people worldwide. This is a buildup of excess fluid in parts of the body, typically the lower legs or lower arms, that has become congested or “stuck” and is struggling to clear out of the area. While it can be a common and usually harmless occurrence, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying health issue. For some people it may be temporary, but understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for leg swelling is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being.

What Causes Leg Swelling?

There are various reasons why individuals may experience swelling in their legs. Some of the most common causes include:

• Fluid Retention: One of the primary reasons for leg swelling is fluid retention in the tissues. This can occur due to prolonged sitting or standing, especially in hot weather, as well as during pregnancy or menstruation.
• Injury or Trauma: Strains, sprains, or fractures in the leg can lead to localized swelling as the body’s natural response to injury.
• Venous Insufficiency: When the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood back to the heart, it can result in fluid buildup and swelling.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can obstruct blood flow, causing swelling and potentially leading to serious complications if left untreated.
• Lymphedema: A chronic condition characterized by swelling due to a compromised lymphatic system. This is often the result from surgery, radiation therapy, infection, or untreated venous insufficiency.
• Congestive Heart Failure: In cases of heart failure, the heart may not pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the legs and other parts of the body.
• Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can result in fluid retention and swelling in the legs and ankles.

Symptoms of Edema

Recognizing the signs of leg swelling is essential for timely intervention and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Visible increase in size or puffiness in one or both legs
• Tightness or heaviness in the affected area
• Skin that appears stretched or shiny
• Discomfort or pain, particularly when walking or standing for extended periods
• Changes in skin colour or texture

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional mild swelling in the legs may not be cause for concern, persistent or severe edema should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden onset of leg swelling without apparent cause
• Chest pain, significant leg pain, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat
• Swelling accompanied by fever or signs of infection, such as warmth and redness

Treatment and Management

The appropriate treatment for leg swelling depends on its underlying cause. In many cases, lifestyle modifications and self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms, such as:

• Elevating the legs above heart level when resting
• Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing still
• Engaging in regular exercise or movement to improve circulation
• Wearing compression stockings to support venous return
• Following a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention

In more severe cases or those caused by underlying medical conditions, healthcare providers may prescribe medications or recommend additional interventions to address the root cause of the swelling.

Preventing Leg Swelling

While some causes of leg swelling may be unavoidable, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and promote overall leg health:

• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Practice good sitting posture and avoid crossing your legs for prolonged periods.
• Stay hydrated and limit consumption of alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move around, especially during long flights or car rides.
• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, as high blood pressure and cholesterol can increase the risk of vascular issues.
• Wear compression stockings if you will be sitting or standing for long periods of time, especially on a regular basis.

Come See Us!

Swelling in the legs is fairly common and can often indicate a potential underlying condition that may require attention. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to edema and recognizing the associated symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their leg health and seek care when needed. If have questions or are concerned with swelling in your feet or legs, we are here to help. At BioPed, your clinical team are trained compression garment fitters who understand the causes and how to manage the swelling in your legs. Contact us today to discover effective strategies for managing your concerns, enabling you to lead an active and healthy life.

No one likes foot pain when being physically active, but the reality is, when you are active things can happen. Foot injuries may be a common occurrence in active people, but don’t let that stop you from doing what you love. Let’s learn how you can reduce the likelihood of injury!

Understanding how we move and why we are more at risk when physically active is key to reducing your risk of injury.

As the heel is about to strike the ground, the foot arch is naturally higher, serving as a rigid lever in preparation for impact. During the mid-stance phase of walking, the arch must slightly flatten or pronate to absorb shock. The foot must then prepare for toe-off which requires the arch to regain its shape once again. As we walk faster or run, the force our foot undergoes increases drastically.

Fun fact: Most people think the having a high arch is good and flat foot is bad. But this isn’t the case! Both foot types can present their own issues.

Common foot injuries that may occur with exercising and running:

Plantar Fasciitis

Most people have heard of the dreaded plantar fasciitis, and many may experience plantar fasciitis pain at some point in their life. Often caused by repetitive trauma, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed due microtears away from the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis pain tends to be much worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. A period of rest and providing support when ambulating supporting are key in recovery.

Metatarsalgia

A general term used to describe pain in the ball of the foot. It is usually caused by abnormal amounts of pressure in the area. People may develop this type of pain when their transverse arch across the ball of the foot is fallen or when their shoes are worn out. Wearing shoes with extra cushioning and foot orthotics will effectively offload pressure in the ball of the foot causing metatarsalgia.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerves in the ball of the foot.  It results from a thickening of nerve tissue and causes a sharp shooting pain most often between the third and fourth toes. Tight fitting footwear is a common cause as they squish the metatarsal bones together pressing on and irritating the nerve.

Lateral Ankle Sprain

The ankle joint on the lateral or outside is the less stable and can easily roll (heel rolls inwards) if you’re not careful.  If you’ve suffered from an ankle sprain in the past, you are more susceptible to it happening again.  At risk ankles can be better supported with footwear that crosses the ankle joint such as hiking boots.  This style of footwear adds extra support and stability around the ankle joint. An ankle brace can also help to support and stabilize the ankle, as can stretching and strengthening exercises.

Shin Splints

Pain on the front of the shins is painful and can stop you in your tracks! Shin splints may result if activity level is increased too quickly, or if you’re not wearing the correct shoes for your sport and training surface. Making a tweak to your training regime by moderating activity and choosing the appropriate footwear can help get you on the mend!

Subungual Hematoma

Are your toenails discoloured and causing soreness?  You may have bruising or bleeding underneath your nails caused by shoes that are too tight or not laced well enough. Also known as “runner’s toe”, injury to the toenail while running causes a dark, black, or purple toenail.  If trauma is relieved, the nail will grow out and the discoloration should gradually fade away. Proper fitting footwear and sufficient lacing is key to stopping this injury altogether.

Come See Us!

Don’t let the risk of foot injuries get in the way of doing the things you love! Book an appointment with us today! At BioPed Footcare, whether its orthotics, footwear or bracing we are here to help. Meet with one of our lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet and legs healthy!

Dealing with foot pain can be a real challenge. Our feet take us where we want to go and dealing with pain in them isn’t fun. Pinpointing the root cause of foot pain, especially when it occurs on the tops of our feet, can be a difficult task. While much attention is often given to the soles of our feet, we often do not talk about the tops of our feet. Today we will chat about different factors leading to pain on the top of the feet and how you can target eliminating the pain.

Common Causes

Swelling

As you are on your feet longer throughout the day, swelling can set in. It can occur in the lower limbs due to the body getting less efficient at pumping the blood out of the distal extremities and up to the heart over time. This swelling can also be caused by many other factors like injury, heart disease and so on. Persistent swelling can sometimes result in stiffness and pain, affecting both sitting and standing. It can persist even after you get off your feet at the end of the day.

Peripheral Neuropathy

The intricate network of nerves responsible for transmitting signals to and from your feet to brain can sometimes get compromised, leading to conditions like peripheral neuropathy. This type of nerve damage disrupts the normal flow of impulses to and from the legs and feet, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pain. While diabetes is a common condition, peripheral neuropathy is an unfortunate side effect of diabetes.

Gout

Often overshadowed by more common types of arthritis, gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the body, typically occurring in the big toe joint. The pain associated with gout is sudden and intense, leading often to redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area. Treatment for gout involves medication to alleviate symptoms and manage the underlying causes.

Stress Fracture

Small cracks in bones caused by repetitive force or overuse can result in stress fractures. These fractures are often so small that they may not be visible on an x-ray. And over time these stress fracture can get much worse! Often they occur in weight-bearing areas of the foot, and show as a persistent ache or discomfort on the top of the foot during activity, with relief experienced during rest.

Tendinitis

Inflammation of the extensor tendons on the top of the feet or any tendon in the body, caused by overuse, is known as tendinitis. This condition typically produces pain that is less pronounced during activity but worsens with rest. Identifying and addressing the activities contributing to overuse is crucial in managing tendinitis and eliminating the pain.

Understanding the diverse causes of top of foot pain is essential to effectively managing the pain and finding relief. Whether it’s addressing swelling, managing conditions like gout, or adopting preventive measures for stress fractures and tendinitis, proactive care can significantly improve the quality of life for those dealing with discomfort in this area.

Come See Us!

If you’re suffering from foot pain or anything else lower limb related, please book an appointment today! At BioPed Footcare, whether its compression socks, orthotics or footwear we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet and lower body healthy!

Dealing with sore knees can be a difficult experience, especially when you are unsure of what’s causing it and how to make it go away. Don’t let knee pain stop you from doing the things you love to do and start working towards a solution today. Let us help you address your knee pain and guide you on your way to figuring out what the potential causes could be.

Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain:

• Swelling and inflammation
• Stiff and achy joints
• Feeling of instability during movement
• Pain with sharp changes in direction
• Limping during gait
• Reduced range of motion

Common Knee Injuries

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis a degenerative disease that worsens as time progresses. Often osteoarthritis is caused by increased stress on knees, often from prolonged time on feet and heavy impact. Generally, osteoarthritic pain is a more common complaint in the older population.

Treatment: Custom made orthotics, orthopedic shoes, physiotherapy, and knee braces are effective in offloading painful areas, reducing pain, and improving overall biomechanics.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:

Most will know of this condition as runner’s knee. The occurrence of patellofemoral pain is often associated with imbalances or weaknesses in the muscles surrounding the hip and knee, resulting in a lack of proper alignment for the kneecap.

Treatment: Physiotherapy and patella strap bracing are effective treatments, and compression sleeves may help reduce pain.

Sprains and Tears

Injuries to the ACL, MCL, or LCL due to general wear and tear or injury can cause pain that occurs well after the date of injury. This is especially true if nothing was done for rehabilitation.

Treatment: Bracing is often the best treatment method as they work to stabilize the knee and take pressure off of the affected area. Physiotherapy is also recommended to aid the knee in strength development.

Meniscus Injury:

Meniscus injuries are caused often from twisting motions occurring at a fast pace. As the foot is planted and the knee twists while it bends, shearing forces are placed on the meniscus, which can cause tears.

Treatment: Bracing is often the best treatment method as they work to stabilize the knee and take pressure off of the affected area. Physiotherapy is also recommended to aid the knee in strength development. Taking time off high intensity activity is advised as well to limit further injury to the knee.

Patellar Tracking Disorder

Patellar tracking issues occur when there are muscular imbalances or deficiencies that cause the patella to track improperly. Often this causes the patella to glide out of its normal path and causes pain.

Treatment: Physiotherapy and knee braces with a patellar cushion or donut can help maintain proper patella alignment and support joint structures.

Come See Us!

Don’t let knee pain get in the way of doing the things you love to do. Please book an appointment with us today! At BioPed Footcare, whether its orthotics, footwear or bracing, we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet and legs healthy!

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or strained. While there are various treatment options available, two of the most accessible methods are cold and heat therapies. To get started on the first steps of your treatment plan, keep reading to learn about the benefits and optimal timing of using cold and heat therapies for plantar fasciitis.

Benefits of Cold Therapy

1. Reduces Inflammation: Cold therapy is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation. When applied to the affected area, ice helps constrict blood vessels and minimize blood flow, which can help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with plantar fasciitis.
2. Numbs Pain: Ice can act as a natural analgesic by numbing the area it’s applied to. This can be particularly useful for individuals experiencing severe plantar fasciitis pain, as it can provide temporary relief.
3. Easy Application: Ice therapy is straightforward; you can use a frozen water bottle or a cold pack to apply cold therapy to the affected foot. It’s a cost-effective and accessible option for most people.
4. Reduces Muscle Spasms: Ice therapy can also help relax and soothe the muscles surrounding the plantar fascia, providing additional relief from pain and discomfort.

Benefits of Heat Therapy

1. Improves Blood Circulation: Unlike ice, heat therapy increases blood circulation in the affected area. This can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the plantar fascia, potentially speeding up the healing process.
2. Relaxes Muscles: Heat can help relax the muscles in the foot and calf, reducing tension and easing pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
3. Promotes Healing: Heat may encourage the healing of micro-tears in the plantar fascia, making it a potentially helpful treatment option for certain cases of plantar fasciitis.
4. Eases Stiffness: Heat can be particularly beneficial in the morning when many plantar fasciitis sufferers experience stiffness. It can help loosen the foot and make it easier to walk comfortably.

Choosing between ice and heat for plantar fasciitis largely depends on both your individual preferences and the stage of your condition. At BioPed, we recommend a combination of both methods for the best results:

Early-Stage Plantar Fasciitis:

• Cold therapy is generally more effective for reducing inflammation during the initial stages.
• Apply ice for 10 minutes, remove for 10 minutes, and repeat as necessary.
• Avoid using heat during the initial stages, as it can worsen inflammation.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis or Muscle Tension:

• Heat therapy can provide greater benefits by relaxing muscles and improving circulation.
• Applying heat for 10-15 minutes before stretching or other treatments can be beneficial.

A convenient tool for these therapies is a reusable Hot and Cold Compress pack from RapidAid. This product is an essential item for addressing a wide range of issues, including sports injuries, headaches, and common aches and discomforts. With its Contour-Gel, it conforms to your foot and maintains flexibility even while frozen, providing rapid relief from inflammation.

When it comes to treating plantar fasciitis, we’re here to help. Visit us at a BioPed location near you to get started on your personalized treatment plan to help you manage your pain and get back to doing more of what you love.

Nobody likes being injured! Injuries stop you from working and doing the fun activities that you love. Thankfully, there’s a trick to recovering quick. Today we will talk about how you can utilize cold and heat therapy to get back in action, fast!

Cold therapy

This can be a great option when looking at treating an acute injury. With cold therapy there are a few key things to keep in mind:

How does it work?

Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the injured area. This works to reduce inflammation that presents after an injury occurs.

When to use it?

At the start of any injury or within the first 48 hours ice is essential. The first 48 hours following an injury are generally considered the “inflammatory stage”. Immediately post injury, cold therapy can help reduce the initial inflammation, which presents with swelling, redness and heat. This also helps to aid in better healing.

How to use it?

Depending on the area affected, apply ice wrapped in a thin cloth or a cold pack for about 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. This can help to reduce the swelling, aid in quicker healing and works to also numb the pain.

What is it best for?

Cold therapy is often best for acute injuries and can be beneficial after physical activity to reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort.

Heat Therapy

This is another tool that can be used to treat injuries with prolonged healing.

How does it work?

Heat therapy does the opposite of cold therapy, it works to increase blood flow and circulation to an area. This can help to increase flexibility and even soothe pain after the initial inflammatory stage has passed.

When to use it?

Heat therapy is best utilized during the subacute stage or after at least 48 hours following injury. Once the initial swelling (inflammatory stage) has subsided, heat therapy should be considered. For many injuries, swelling can last a few days or more, so it’s recommended to use ice until swelling is no longer routinely present.

How to use it?

There are many different applications of heat therapy depending on what you have access to. For the feet, an easy way to apply heat is to soak them in warm water or even apply a warm heat pack, keeping the area exposed to heat for 15-20 minute at a time. Be careful with heat, or cold, if you have sensation impairment in your feet.

What is it best for?

Heat is best utilised when your injury has left you with muscle tension or joint stiffness that is long lasting.

Please note: Whenever dealing with an injury, it is always best to consult a medical professional for treatment guidance.

Come See Us!

If you’re suffering from an injury that’s keeping you from doing more, please book an appointment online today! At BioPed Footcare, whether its bracing, orthotics, or footwear we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet, knees and lower body healthy!