Items filtered by date: March 2021

Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

Why Does My Heel Hurt?

The heel is a fatty cushion on the back of the foot that provides padding. Obesity, improperly fitting shoes, injuries and running and jumping on hard surfaces can all lead to heel pain issues. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with a heel spur as well. When the plantar fascia tears near the heel, it can bleed and then calcify. These calcium deposits form heel spurs, which can only be detected through an X-ray. If you are struggling with heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
Monday, 22 March 2021 00:00

How Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Occurs

The tarsal tunnel is a small opening in the ankle that the posterior tibial nerve, which supplies sensation and movement to the foot, travels through. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve is compressed and pressed on in this area, which can be painful and lead to a loss of sensation in the feet. This compression can be caused by a direct injury to the ankle, as well as other issues such as swelling, a cyst, or arthritis. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can feel like other foot and ankle injuries. If you are suspicious that you may be suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.

Monday, 15 March 2021 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome

The cuboid bone is located on the outer side of your foot with a joint and ligaments nearby. These ligaments can tear or become otherwise damaged due to either an ankle sprain or other injury, or from the repetitive strain of certain sports and other activities. These conditions are known as cuboid syndrome, or cuboid subluxation. Cuboid syndrome can also develop in people with flat feet, or when a bone within the joint becomes slightly dislocated. Symptoms of cuboid syndrome usually present themselves on the lateral side of your foot where the ligaments are located, and can include swelling, tenderness, and redness. Additionally, you may experience diminishment in mobility of your ankle and even weakness in the toes nearest to the damaged ligament. While conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis make you more prone to develop cuboid syndrome, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy body weight, stretching before exercise, and wearing shoes that fit and offer adequate support. If you believe you are experiencing cuboid syndrome or have any pain in your foot, make an appointment with a podiatrist right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00

How Footwear Can Lead to Hammertoes

Did you know that the shoes you wear can put you at higher risk of developing a hammertoe? Hammertoes occur when a toe’s middle joint becomes set in an abnormally bent position, rather than pointing forward. Millions of people in America are afflicted with this condition which can be very embarrassing and painful. Although genetics, injuries or arthritis can play a part, there are ways to help avoid developing hammertoes. Don’t wear shoes that are too narrow, tight, pointy or that otherwise force your toes into bent or unnatural positions. Stretch out your toes and elevate your feet as much as possible and take care of bunions, corns, and calluses. If you are already suffering from hammertoe, a podiatrist can help you determine the best course of action for correcting it.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?

Connect With Us