Items filtered by date: November 2021

You may have once heard that it is better to stand than sit, however, this may not be entirely accurate. While it might be true that sitting too much can have ill effects on your overall health, standing all day is also not great. Standing for prolonged periods of time has been linked to muscle strain, fatigue, swelling, varicose veins, leg cramps, joint problems, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, and corns. If you must stand for long periods of time, it is suggested that you frequently change the position you stand in, wear comfortable and supportive shoes, walk around and stretch your feet, and take occasional breaks to sit and rest. If you are suffering from foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel with your toes on the sole of your foot. Many people believe inflammation throughout the body can be reduced by making certain dietary adjustments—particularly by increasing the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and decreasing consumption of inflammatory foods. Anti-inflammatory foods include green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, legumes, nuts, lean meats, as well as tuna and salmon which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Inflammatory foods have high levels of sugar, including soft drinks, pastries and sweets, candy, processed foods, junk food, refined grains, as well as oils containing omega-6 fats (corn/soy/cottonseed oil), saturated fats and red meats. For more information on how to heal the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

When it comes to falling and the many foot and ankle injuries associated with it, the elderly are not the only group at risk. Young children fall frequently as they learn to walk, climb, run, and explore the world around them. While you may not be able to prevent every fall, you can take steps to prevent any major injuries. Around the home, lock doors that lead to dangerous areas and use sliding gates on stairways. Ensure that all carpets and rugs are held securely in place to prevent tripping or slipping. Keep hallways, stairs, and walking areas around the house free of clutter. Keep an eye on your child while they play and don’t allow them to climb high furniture. For more information about preventing falls for your loved ones of all ages, please consult with a podiatrist.  

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

The sesamoids are two small, pea-shaped bones located just beneath the base of the big toe. These bones are responsible for helping the big toe move normally and provide leverage when the big toe pushes off while walking or running. The sesamoid bones can become injured from excess pressure on the balls of the foot. There are three main types of sesamoid injuries. Turf toe occurs when the soft tissue surrounding the big toe joint is injured and causes immediate sharp pain and swelling. A fracture occurs when a sesamoid bone breaks. Sesamoiditis occurs when the sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons become inflamed. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact the foot specialists of Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

There are many ways to break a bone. Acute fractures occur suddenly and are caused by direct trauma. Stress fractures are small and caused by repetitive damage from overuse. Fractures can be closed or open. In a closed or simple fracture, the skin remains intact. In an open or compound fracture, the bone breaks the surface of the skin. Fractures can further be categorized based on how the bone is broken. A transverse fracture means that the bone is broken in a straight line, while an oblique fracture means that the bone is broken diagonally. A spiral fracture circles around the bone. A comminuted fracture is when the bone breaks into more than one piece. An avulsion fracture is when a ligament or tendon tears and pulls a small piece of bone away with it. If you have broken a bone in your feet or ankles, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.