Ankle pain can make walking, standing, and staying active difficult. The ankle is a weight-bearing joint made up of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to provide movement and stability. Pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from repeated stress. Ankle sprains are a common cause and occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. Other causes include arthritis, tendon problems, and fractures. The location and severity of ankle pain can vary depending on the affected tissue. Some conditions cause discomfort only during movement, while others may produce pain even when little pressure is placed on the ankle.

Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, tenderness, or difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Some people also notice bruising or reduced ankle movement after an injury. Ankle pain that develops gradually may be related to changes in the joint or irritation of a tendon. Because the ankle supports the body with each step, ongoing discomfort can change the way a person walks. These changes may place additional stress on the foot or other parts of the lower leg. Severe pain, significant swelling, or an inability to walk should receive prompt professional attention. An exam can help determine the cause and severity of the problem.

A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain and identify injuries or conditions affecting the foot and ankle. During an examination, the podiatrist may check joint movement, stability, and areas of tenderness. Imaging may be recommended if a fracture or another structural problem is suspected. Podiatry treatment depends on the diagnosis and may focus on reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting proper ankle function. An individualized care plan can also address foot mechanics that may place extra stress on the ankle. If persistent ankle pain, swelling, or limited movement is interfering with walking or daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

High heels can change how weight is distributed across the feet and affect the way a person stands and walks. When the heel is raised, more body weight shifts toward the front of the foot. This places added pressure on the ball of the foot and nearby joints, which can contribute to pain and stiffness. High heels can also affect balance, posture, and overall foot function. The higher the heel, the more unstable the foot may become, increasing the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries.

Regularly wearing high heels may also affect the toes, heels, and supporting tissues. Narrow or pointed shoes can force the toes into an unnatural position and may contribute to the formation of hammertoes or bunions. High heels also keep the Achilles tendon in a shortened position. This may cause the tendon to become stiff and can contribute to Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. Pressure and rubbing around the back of the heel may lead to a bony enlargement known as Haglund’s deformity. Because high heels alter normal walking mechanics, their effects can extend beyond the feet and place additional stress on other parts of the body.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain related to high-heeled shoes and identify the structures that may be affected. An examination can help determine whether symptoms are connected to joint pressure, tendon problems, or changes in toe alignment. A podiatrist can also assess walking patterns and determine whether an injury or developing foot deformity requires treatment. Addressing persistent symptoms may help reduce the risk of long-term pain and additional foot problems. Professional care is especially important when discomfort begins interfering with walking, work, or other daily activities. If wearing high heels is causing ongoing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

A foot stress fracture is a small bone crack that develops from repeated stress and overuse. It can occur when the force placed on a bone exceeds its ability to recover between activities. Stress fractures are common among athletes because running, jumping, and repeated training create continuous impact on the feet. The condition may develop gradually rather than following one obvious accident. Early symptoms often include localized pain, tenderness, and swelling on the top of the foot. As the injury progresses, walking may become uncomfortable or difficult, especially after physical activity.

Overuse is a major cause of foot stress fractures. Increasing mileage, changing training surfaces, or starting an intense exercise program without enough recovery can place excessive stress on the bones. Athletes may be at greater risk when they continue training despite persistent pain. Other risk factors include wearing improper footwear, weakened bones, and inadequate recovery between workouts. A previous stress fracture can also increase the likelihood of developing another one. Recognizing these factors can help athletes make informed choices about training and injury prevention.

A podiatrist can evaluate persistent foot pain and determine whether a stress fracture may be present. The process typically begins with a review of symptoms and physical activity, followed by examination of the foot and ankle. The podiatrist may check for localized tenderness, swelling, and changes in walking mechanics. X-rays can help identify fractures, although some stress injuries may require additional imaging for confirmation. A gradual return to activity is important once healing has progressed.

Athletes should not ignore pain that repeatedly develops in the same area during training. Continuing high-impact activity while a stress fracture is present can delay healing and potentially worsen the injury. If you have gradual foot pain, swelling on the top of the foot, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that can affect anyone, not just athletes. The fungus grows well in warm, damp places and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Public showers, locker-room floors, and pool areas can increase exposure. Feet that remain sweaty inside tight shoes can also create conditions that allow the fungus to grow. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some patients develop burning or stinging, while others notice cracks between the toes. The infection can also cause blisters or thick, scaly skin on the soles and sides of the feet.

Because athlete’s foot spreads easily, an infection can pass to other people or reach other areas of the body. Scratching an infected foot and then touching another area can transfer the fungus. A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether the problem is athlete’s foot or another condition with similar symptoms. When the diagnosis is uncertain, the podiatrist can take a small skin scraping for testing. This can help confirm whether fungus is present. A podiatric evaluation is especially important when the skin is badly cracked, painful, or showing signs of another infection.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. Treatment can help clear the fungus, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and lower the chance of spreading it. The podiatrist can also check the toenails because fungal infections can sometimes affect both the skin and nails. Patients can receive guidance on keeping the feet dry and reducing future exposure to fungus. This includes choosing breathable shoes, changing damp socks, and protecting the feet in shared wet areas. Follow-up care can help determine whether the infection has cleared or requires a different treatment approach. If you have developed an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C..  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.