Items filtered by date: November 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.