Items filtered by date: May 2021

Metatarsalgia refers to any painful condition that affects the metatarsal region, or ball of the foot. Most commonly, the pain is a result of the metatarsal head (ball of the foot) becoming inflamed and putting more pressure on the bones at the front of the foot. Pain and inflammation in this area can also be a result of an existing bunion, overuse and excess pressure on the ball of the foot, aging, high arched feet, arthritis, gout, or diabetes. Being overweight can also place additional stress on the feet, as well as wearing high heels. Patients who are struggling with pain in the ball of the foot should be under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

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.

Flat feet, also known as “fallen arches,” describe the feet pressing flat against the ground. To check to see if you have flat feet, check the inner sides of the feet while standing. If part of the foot is raised into an arch, then you don’t have flat feet.  It is also important to know that most children under the age of 6 have flat feet and will develop an arch as they grow. While flat feet aren’t usually a big problem, there are some scenarios where consulting with a podiatrist can be beneficial. A podiatrist should check flat feet if they have become painful, stiff or numb, if the feet and ankles are frequently injured, if there are issues with balance and walking, if only one foot is flat, or if your feet have become flat in adulthood. A podiatrist can offer help finding the right footwear, exercises, and medications to treat your foot pain, and can determine if surgery may be needed.

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.

Turf toe is one of the most common foot injuries among athletes and refers to a sprain of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint located just below the big toe. When this joint is injured, it also often damages the surrounding ligaments, causing pain when you try to walk, jog, run, or jump. Turf toe can be classified based on how severe the injury is. A mild injury involves minor stretching of one or more ligaments in the MTP joint and is associated with tenderness, discomfort, and mild swelling. A moderate injury involves partial tearing of the ligament or joint capsule and causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A severe injury involves a complete rupture of the ligaments or joint capsule and pain may be severe and make walking impossible. If you have any foot or ankle injuries, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains 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 and ankle needs.