Items filtered by date: April 2025

Charcot foot is a rare but serious condition that can affect people with diabetes and nerve damage. It occurs when the bones in the foot weaken and begin to fracture or dislocate without causing much pain. As the condition progresses, the foot may change shape, often becoming swollen, warm, and visibly deformed. Without treatment, continued walking on the affected foot can lead to severe damage, ulcers, and even risk of limb loss. Early signs are often mistaken for a simple sprain or infection, so prompt evaluation is essential. Treatment usually involves immobilization with a cast or boot to allow the bones to heal, followed by wearing custom footwear to prevent recurrence. In advanced cases, surgery may be needed to correct deformities. If you have diabetes and notice sudden swelling, redness, or warmth in your foot, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Pain in the bottom of the foot, especially sharp pain or a burning sensation, can be caused by several conditions. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, where the tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often leading to sharp pain near the heel. Another potential cause is neuropathy, a condition where nerve damage causes a burning or tingling sensation. Metatarsalgia or inflammation of the ball of the foot can also lead to discomfort, often described as a feeling of standing on a small stone. Symptoms typically include sharp or burning pain in the foot's arch or heel, especially after standing or walking for long periods. The area may feel tender, swollen, or tight. A podiatrist can help diagnose the underlying cause through physical exams, imaging tests, or nerve function tests. Treatment may include rest, stretching exercises, custom orthotics or anti-inflammatory medications. If you are dealing with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

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.

Intoeing and out-toeing are common walking patterns seen in children, where the feet point inward or outward instead of straight ahead. These patterns are usually part of normal development and often improve with time. In-toeing may result from femoral anteversion, a condition where the thigh bone has increased inward rotation. It can also be caused by internal tibial torsion, where the shin bone twists inward, or by a curved foot known as metatarsus adductus. Out-toeing occurs when the feet angle away from the body and may be linked to external rotation of the hips or legs. In most cases, these conditions do not cause pain and do not interfere with normal activity. If your child has symptoms of either ailment, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can monitor these conditions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Heel pain is a frequent complaint that can interfere with daily life, whether it starts suddenly or develops over time. Injuries and disorders affecting the heel include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and bursitis. These conditions often result from repetitive stress, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. Some individuals may experience sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, while others notice discomfort after long periods of standing or activity. Ignoring heel pain may lead to worsening symptoms and further injury. Treatment often includes rest, wearing supportive shoes, stretching exercises, and, in some cases, custom orthotics. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain or discomfort that is limiting your mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to restore comfort and function.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

An ingrown toenail can cause pain, swelling, and even infection, if left untreated. The removal procedure is simple and typically performed in a podiatrist’s office. After numbing the area, the podiatrist will carefully remove the ingrown portion of the nail. In some cases, a small part of the nail matrix may be treated to prevent future problems. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you can expect soreness for a day or two, which is easily managed with mild pain relievers. The podiatrist will provide detailed instructions on keeping the area clean and dry to avoid infection. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, wearing open-toed shoes for comfort. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for relief options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.