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Items filtered by date: December 2020
Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00
Can Heel Spurs Be Prevented?
Many people have heel pain and show no other symptoms. This can indicate a heel spur has developed, and treatment is often sought for relief. A heel spur is defined as a bony growth that gradually forms on the bottom of the heel, and can come from excessive pressure the heels endure from being overweight, or if the plantar fascia becomes damaged. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause a heel spur to develop, in addition to having an abnormal foot structure. There are specific groups of people who may be prone to developing a heel spur. These can include runners, elderly people, diabetic patients, or people who have frequent gout attacks. People who have pain with a heel spur often notice there is tenderness surrounding the heel, and the affected foot and ankle may become swollen. Additionally, there may be sharp heel pain after rising in the morning. Effective prevention methods may consist of stretching the feet regularly, wearing insoles that can provide support, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you feel you have a heel spur, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00
Flat Feet
Flatfoot is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot has either partially or totally dropped or has never developed. While it is common in babies and small children, it can become a problem for them in adulthood if the arch never forms. For adults, the development of flat feet can be brought upon by injury, as a result of pregnancy due to increased elasticity, or obesity. Those who have health concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may also be at greater risk for developing the condition.
If you suspect that you have flat feet, it is best to consult your podiatrist. Your foot doctor will examine the suspected foot and observe how it looks while you sit and stand. He or she may take an X-ray to determine how serious the condition is. Some common signs of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward, a short Achilles tendon, and a heel that tilts outwardly while the ankle tilts inward.
Once flatfoot has been diagnosed, your podiatrist may suggest one of several treatment options. Flat feet can be rigid, in which the feet appear to have no arch even when the person is not standing; or flexible, in which the person appears to have an arch while not standing, but once standing the arch disappears. Those with flexible flatfoot may be told to reduce any activities that cause pain and to avoid extended periods of walking or standing. Another suggestion may be weight loss, as excessive weight may be placing pressure on the arches
In few cases, if the condition is severe and all other methods have been exhausted surgery may be required. This is normally avoided, however, due to a lengthy recovery time and high cost.
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00
Effective Stretches That May Help Flat Feet
The pain that can accompany the foot condition known as flat feet may or may not affect specific people. It is described as an arch that is absent in each foot and provides shock absorption to the body. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. Consequently, the arch may not develop in some people, and they can experience discomfort with flat feet as they get older. Performing specific stretches may help to strengthen the entire foot, which may help to diminish the discomfort of having flat feet. These can consist of simple stretches that are called the towel scrunch, stair heel raises, and toe extensions. Many patients enjoy practicing the towel stretch, which is done while sitting on the floor, and wrapping a towel around the feet as the toes are pointed up. Additionally, rolling the foot on a tennis ball can invoke feelings of well-being as the feet relax. If you would like additional information about effective stretches to practice with flat feet, please ask a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00
Toe Pain
Toe pain can originate from corns, calluses, hammertoes, and bunions, as well as ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and dislocations. Corns develop as the toe rubs against the inside of a shoe which causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. A corn is typically cone-shaped and has a small, hardened spot that points inward. When a corn is pressed into the skin, the toe becomes painful. Corns usually form on the top or side of the toe. A callus is also a thickened patch of skin that generally forms on the bottom of the foot. Calluses are the result of friction from the toe rubbing against the inside of a shoe. They may also occur by walking barefoot or having flat feet. A hammertoe is a bump on the knuckle of the second toe that is produced by wearing shoes that are too short for your feet. The bony protrusion rubs against the top of the shoe causing pain and irritation. A bunion is a malformation of the big toe. The base of the big toe pushes away from the smaller toes, forcing the top of the big toe to press toward the other toes. Bunions can be hereditary, or they can result from injury to the toe joint or from wearing high heels with a narrow toe box. The toe becomes inflamed, and a bump may develop at the end of the misplaced bone. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe and its surrounding skin. The nail will dig into the skin and become painful. Wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the big toe causes the nail to grow into the fleshy part of the toe. Cutting toenails incorrectly can also add to the development of an ingrown toenail. A toe sprain originates from a torn or stretched ligament. Strapping the injured toe to the toe next to it for stabilization is common. A broken or fractured toe usually occurs from trauma like dropping a heavy object on it or bumping into something extremely hard and rigid. Osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones, can also bring about toe fractures.
Any of the conditions mentioned can lead to pain and irritation. While some are more serious than others, seeking an examination and diagnosis from a podiatrist is a good idea. A podiatrist can treat each ailment and get you back on your feet again without pain.
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00
Common Causes of Toe Pain
Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, but the most common include ingrown toenails, bunions, and blisters. Various types of arthritis and diabetes can also lead to toe pain. If you feel your toe is painful to the touch, shoes should be checked for a proper fit. They may be too tight, not supportive enough, or have heels that are too high. Resting and elevating the foot may also help relieve temporary toe pain. When there is redness, warmth, or swelling, there could be an infection requiring immediate medical attention. If you are having pain in your toes and it is not subsiding or is worsening, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment for you.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors 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.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00
Foot Pain
The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.
Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.
Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.
Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle doctor to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.
Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00
Reasons for Pain in the Ball of the Foot
If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it may be medically referred to as metatarsalgia. The bones that connect the ankle to the toes are called the metatarsals and can become painful from standing or walking for most of the day. Additional reasons this type of pain may occur include having arthritis and wearing shoes that are not supportive. Foot pain can be noticeable in different forms, including a burning sensation and numbness in the toes. Additionally, the feeling of a small pebble or marble on the sole of the foot can indicate the condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma, which may cause difficulty in walking. There are effective prevention methods that can be implemented which may reduce foot pain. Resting and elevating the feet is often successful in alleviating this foot pain. It is also a good idea to change the shoes that are worn each day. Foot pain of any kind indicates that a visit to the podiatrist may be necessary, so please contact this type of doctor as quickly as possible who can help you with any type of foot pain you may have.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Saturday, 05 November 2022 00:00
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00
Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Corns are thickened areas on the skin’s surface, to the point of being irritating and sometimes painful. Commonly found on the feet, corns are circular or cone-shaped. They develop where there are areas of pressure or friction, such as on the little toe when it rubs up against shoes, or on the ball of your foot.
Corns are often confused with a callus, but there is a difference between them. Corns can be raised bumps that are painful to the touch. They consist of a rough, thick area of skin that may be dry or waxy. Corns tend to be surrounded by skin that is inflamed, and are usually much smaller than calluses.
Removing the dead skin that has built up is the key in treating corns. Salicylic acid medication is most common in accomplishing this. The acid works by dissolving keratin, which is the protein that makes up the majority of corns. You can purchase salicylic acid over-the-counter in products such as wart removers. It comes in a variety of forms such as medicated pads, drops, or creams. However, people who are diabetic should not use salicylic acid, but should instead consult their doctor immediately.
According to the product directions, applying the medication directly onto the corn will treat it. The top layer of the corn will begin to turn white after use. When that occurs, the layers of skin can then be peeled away, making the corn smaller. Shaving off corns with razors or other pedicure equipment is never a good idea. This can lead to infection. If your corn gets infected, and is not treated immediately, a visit to the doctor will be necessary.
Another way to treat corns and help prevent their return is by using orthotic inserts, fitted by a podiatrist. Inserts fit right into your shoes and adjusts the way your foot fits into your shoes. This fixes the way you walk. This will lower your chances of getting corns, and eliminate current corns by reducing rubbing from friction.
Surgery is rarely used to treat corns, but does occur on occasion. Surgery actually deals with the underlying issue that causes corns. During surgery, the bone is shaved and any abnormalities are corrected, thus reducing the amount of friction that occurs during walking.
To prevent corns, the first step is reducing friction. Always wear shoes that fit well and don’t rub your feet. Pads can be purchased if you notice rubbing developing. These pads can be purchased over-the-counter, and can be simply placed on the irritated area. Wearing cushioned insoles in your shoes can always reduce the friction, and making sure to wear well-fitting shoes. This will ensure that your foot is not being squeezed awkwardly, and prevent corns from forming in the first place.
Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00
Corns Can Be Painful, and Relief Is Often Sought
People who experience corns are aware of how painful they can be. A corn can develop in several places on the feet, including the pinky toe, the sole of the foot, or between the toes. It is a hardened area of skin that happens in response to pressure that is exerted in a particular place on the foot. They gradually form as a result of excessive friction that generally comes from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns are divided into three categories, and this is based on where they develop. A soft corn is found between the toes and is named because of the constant moisture that is found in this area. Smaller corns are known as seed corns and are found on the bottom of the foot. They can be painful from the pressure that is exerted on this part of the foot. The top of the toes may produce hard corns and can be equally as painful. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can bring you relief with appropriate treatments.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists of Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
