Items filtered by date: September 2022

The foot is made up of tiny bones, called metatarsals. A metatarsal stress fracture is an acute fracture of one of these little bones. This usually occurs from overuse or poor foot mechanics. When bodies break down, they generally break down at the weakest point. In sports, stress fractures are caused by repetitive force over a long period of time. Metatarsal fractures can happen from wearing the wrong shoes, training on hard pavement and poor nutrition. These factors puts one at higher risk for developing stress fractures. Symptoms of metatarsal stress fractures are dull, underlying pain, that can be intermittent. One should not ignore pain of any sort. In fact, catching and treating pain early can help metatarsal stress fractures heal quicker than if ignored. If you feel you have sustained a stress fracture or have any other pain in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and get you back to full functioning as soon as possible.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Rare foot diseases will obviously not affect a wide majority of individuals across the country. However, it can be important and helpful to learn more about these unique conditions, such as Freiberg’s disease. This condition has a negative impact on the second or third metatarsal bones, which can lead to sensations of stiffness at the affected area. If you have Freiberg’s disease, you might even experience swelling or feel pain in the front of the foot. Typically, putting weight on the feet when walking, running, or jumping can exacerbate these symptoms. Although the precise cause of Freiberg’s disease is still elusive, it may be caused by microtrauma near the metaphysis. If you want to learn more about Freiberg’s disease and other rare foot conditions, contact a podiatrist today. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, occurs when the base of the big toe bone moves outward, pushing the rest of the toe inward. A bunion can cause the foot to become wider, and make it difficult to find shoes that fit. It often rubs against the inside of the toe box and becomes red and irritated. Although wearing shoes that are too small, especially during one’s formative years, is not ideal, it is believed that genetics play a major role in the development of a bunion. Most people with bunions can find some relief through non-surgical means, including pain relief medication. In addition, finding wider shoes with a lower heel, and avoiding high heels, or shoes that are excessively pointy, can help. Losing weight may also reduce the pressure on the big toe. In severe cases, surgery is an option that can help correct the alignment of the toes. If a bunion is causing pain on a regular basis, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can assess the situation and suggest a treatment plan.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

If you are the parent of a growing child, it is important to care for your child’s feet. Children can be at risk of developing certain foot conditions that can negatively impact their feet. One of the conditions that parents should be on the lookout for is Sever’s disease. This condition primarily affects children that are between 10 and 12 years of age. Sever’s disease can typically cause heel pain in a child and the condition occurs when the calcaneal apophysis becomes inflamed due to some sort of microtrauma commonly involving the Achilles tendon. There are several signs of Sever’s disease that you might be able to identify in your child. First, if your child has Sever’s disease, they might experience heightened pain when engaging in running, walking, and other weight-bearing activities. Additionally, after a period of physical activity, your child might exhibit a limp. If your child is exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact a podiatrist for medical assistance and attention.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.