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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Why are My Ankles & Feet Swollen? [Fix Swelling in Feet relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Why are My Ankles & Feet Swollen? [Fix Swelling in Feet & Ankles FAST]
Why are My Ankles & Feet Swollen? [Fix Swelling in Feet & Ankles FAST] 🦶Why are my ankles swollen & why are my feet swollen? We review how to treat feet swelling, ankle swelling, and leg swelling!🦶 We review how to get rid of swollen feet & how to get rid of swollen ankles FAST! We also review how to reduce swelling in feet. 0:00 What causes swollen ankles & what causes swollen feet? 0:46 Why are my ankles swollen? 1:00 Feet swelling, ankle swelling and leg swelling symptoms. 1:35 Blood clots causing swelling in feet & swelling in the ankles 1:55 Venous dopplers to rule out swelling in the legs 2:15 Systemic issues causing leg swelling 3:00 Swelling in feet and ankles causes 3:15 Lymphedema video 3:45 Prevention foot swelling 4:13 Compression stockings for swollen ankles & feet 4:40 Compression sock tips 5:20 Best compression stockings 7:33 How to reduce swelling in the feet, ankles and legs with pumps 8:37 Weight loss and congestive heart failure 9:45 Infections 10:00 Medications 10:15 Biomechanics 10:30 Stiff ankles and legs 11:45 Best Shoes 13:40 Best orthotics 14:18 Massage 14:45 Stretching 15:25 Best products for stretching If you have pain in your feet or ankles, consider these biomechanical treatments: Ankle Pain not improving: https://youtu.be/M-ibqxyqEtM 👉– Shoes –👈 Our Recommended Shoes:Podiatrist Recommended ShoesOur Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products/// 👉– LINKS –👈 (With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!) Compression socks & Compression stockings: Note: Start Light & always check with your podiatrist if you have a medical condition. Best 8-15 mmHg budget compression stockings: https://geni.us/NmvRw Best 20-30 mmHg compression stocking: https://geni.us/bqasGh (Amazon) Swollen Feet & Swollen Ankles Treatment – Orthotics: Best Overall Orthotic: https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics (Amazon) Best Heavy Duty Orthotic: https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics (Amazon) Best Women’s Orthotic: https://geni.us/BestWomensOrthotic (Amazon) Best sub $25 Soft Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetSoftOrthotic (Amazon) Best sub $25 Budget Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetOrthotic (Amazon) Swollen Feet & Swollen Ankles Massage & Pain Relief: Best Compression Sleeves: https://geni.us/PlantarFasciitisSock (Amazon) Best Budget Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleCompression (Amazon) Swollen Feet & Swollen Ankles Exercises & Stretches: Best Ankle Stretch Incline Board: https://geni.us/z7bq (Amazon) Best Budget Stretching Device: https://geni.us/BudgetFasciitisStretch (Amazon) Swollen Feet & Swollen Ankles Massage Device: Our Favorite Calf Compression Device https://geni.us/sLJDN Our Favorite Full Leg Compression Device https://geni.us/htyFl Best Ankle Pain Braces: Best Overall Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/GreatBrace (Amazon) Best Overall Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/GreatCompressionBrace (Amazon) Best Budget Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleStability (Amazon) Best Budget Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleCompression (Amazon) Massage Gun: Note: This is for sore, tight muscles, not a cure for lymphedema. My favorite massage gun: https://geni.us/xWf6RJ (Amazon) Best Selling massage gun: https://geni.us/HaFcA (Amazon) Best budget massage gun: https://geni.us/82VZB (Amazon) 📢See a Podiatrist!📢 See a podiatrist if you have a specific foot, ankle, or health problem. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem. If in Michigan, consider seeing us at our clinic: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/ https://g.page/r/CaxJ9b-O6o27EAE 📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel! This is opinion only: For the viewer or reader: Do not consider this video a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly urge you to contact your physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video. Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based information, but this content should not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas. This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.
Leg Swelling, Varicose Veins, and Foot Circulation in Michigan: Podiatric Evaluation
Michigan patients with leg swelling, varicose veins, or circulation concerns affecting their lower extremities can receive a thorough lower extremity vascular assessment at Balance Foot & Ankle. Ankle and foot swelling has multiple causes — venous insufficiency, lymphedema, cardiac or renal causes, and medication side effects — and appropriate management depends on accurate diagnosis. At our practice, lower extremity edema evaluation includes assessment of venous insufficiency, arterial circulation status, and skin changes that indicate the chronicity and severity of the problem. For patients with venous insufficiency, prescription graduated compression hosiery is fitted and dispensed at our office, with insurance coverage verified when applicable. For patients with concerning vascular findings — absent pulses, significant arterial compromise, non-healing wounds — we coordinate with vascular surgery for further evaluation and intervention. Michigan patients with leg swelling or circulation concerns can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Swollen Feet and Ankles Slowing You Down?
Swelling can signal heart, kidney, or vascular issues — or simply need better management. Our podiatrists evaluate the cause and provide effective solutions.
Clinical References
- Ely JW et al. Approach to leg edema of unclear etiology. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2006;19(2):148-160.
- Trayes KP et al. Edema: diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. 2013;88(2):102-110.
- Villeco JP. Edema: a silent but important factor. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2012;25(2):153-162.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology - Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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