Items filtered by date: April 2023

Patients may feel stiffness in the middle of their feet. This may be indicative of midfoot arthritis and can be caused by degeneration. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often fall into this category and may cause extreme pain and discomfort. It may occur from a previous foot fracture, or possibly from an abnormal foot structure. The pain can be chronic, and lifestyle changes may be made that may help to provide temporary relief. Some people opt to have midfoot fusion surgery performed, with the goal of having improved function and decreased pain. This type of surgery can be successful in restoring normal walking and may be helpful in providing stability to the arch. The majority of people who suffer from midfoot arthritis may be eligible to have a midfoot fusion operation. However, there may be existing medical conditions, such as an active infection or overall poor health, that prevent people from undergoing this type of surgery. If you have midfoot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the right decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact the foot specialists of Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

It is a well known fact that working on the feet all day and having to stand for prolonged periods of time can have negative health consequences for your feet. For example, if your job requires you to stand all day, you may be setting yourself up for an increased risk of experiencing foot pain, or possibly developing foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. In addition, standing on the feet all day may result in swollen feet or ankles. However, the negative health consequences of standing all day are not limited to the feet. Namely, an individual may also develop chronic back pain and neck or shoulder stiffness. Further, one’s risk of experiencing heart disease may possibly increase. If you are someone who must stand for prolonged periods of time, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist today.

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.

Children’s foot and heel pain is common and can happen throughout any growing stage, especially growth spurts. The pain occurs around the heel bone and inside the foot. It can also aggravate children who participate in a lot of physical activity, like running and jumping. In children, when there is a growth spurt, and the bones grow quicker than the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons, there can be pain and tightness in the calf area. The calf muscles form the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon can pull on the heel bone with intense physical activity and can cause pain. Also, active kids often have flexible flat feet until they grow older. The combination of these things can cause a pulling on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and further irritate the heel. If your child has heel or foot pain or walks on their toes or limps, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer a treatment plan to restore them to comfort.

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.

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a type of arthritis that causes a gradual deterioration of the cartilage in joints. It is common in the feet, and it can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis in the feet can happen from injury to the feet and chronic inflammation in a joint that results in wear and tear of the cartilage covering the joint. While there is no cure for OA, there are lifestyle changes and other options that may provide relief. Among them are low-impact exercises to build muscle and strengthen joints, maintaining a healthy body weight, and using orthotics in shoes. Surgery is also a possible treatment option for OA in the feet. Complications can arise from not treating OA, such as the development of bunions, calluses and corns, hallux rigidus, or stiffness in the big toe. If you suffer from osteoarthritis and it is causing pain in your feet or interfering with the quality of your life, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options that may make you more comfortable.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method 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.