Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. It affects approximately one person in ten and is a leading cause of heel pain. Causes involve repetitive strain, prolonged standing, and wearing improper footwear. Risk factors include high or low arches, obesity, and tight calf muscles. A key symptom is sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, or after rest. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide custom treatment plans, and recommend supportive therapies. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option 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.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. People visit a podiatrist for persistent foot pain, injuries, or changes in skin and nails. Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage and poor circulation, making regular foot care by a podiatrist essential to deal with ulcers and infections. Foot arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility that benefit from expert evaluation and treatment. Joint pain in the foot and ankle may result from overuse, injury, or structural problems that require proper management. Heel pain is often linked to plantar fasciitis and can worsen without care. Additionally, ingrown toenails can become painful and infected, if not treated properly. If you have any of the above symptoms or other foot and ankle issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat various foot and ankle conditions.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects children under age 16. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Although many people think of arthritis affecting the hands or knees, the feet and ankles are commonly involved in children with this condition. When these joints are affected, walking, running, and daily activities can become difficult. Studies show that problems in the lower limbs often cause the greatest limits in movement and comfort. Children may experience ankle or foot pain, inflammation surrounding the tendons, or develop flat feet that place extra strain on the joints. When the disease is more active, these symptoms can greatly affect quality of life. Early care is important to protect growing joints. If your child has foot or ankle pain related to arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Freiberg disease is a congenital foot-related condition that affects the metatarsal bones in the forefoot, most commonly near the base of the second toe. This disorder occurs when the bone tissue gradually weakens due to reduced blood supply, which may lead to joint damage over time. As the condition progresses, it may contribute to arthritis within the affected joint. Symptoms include forefoot pain, swelling, stiffness, and discomfort while walking or placing pressure on the ball of the foot. Causes may involve abnormal bone development, repetitive stress, or structural foot imbalance. Risk factors include certain foot shapes and prolonged pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition and guide treatment. If your child has been born with this condition, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for expert management techniques.

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.