Living with arthritis in the hips, knees, ankles, or feet often means coping with unpredictable flares that can interrupt even simple routines. During these episodes, joints may swell, stiffen, or ache more intensely, making movement difficult. Applying gentle heat for stiffness, and choosing supportive shoes can provide comfort. Stretching and light activity such as swimming help preserve flexibility without adding strain. On challenging days, using a cane or walker may prevent unnecessary stress on painful joints. Managing body weight and staying active between flare-ups also play a role in protecting mobility over the long term. Because each case of arthritis is unique, care should be tailored to individual needs. If you are struggling with recurring lower limb arthritis flare-ups, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for strategies that support joint health and daily comfort.

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 joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Fall-proofing your home is an important step in preventing injuries, especially foot and ankle problems. Begin by checking the front steps for cracks or uneven surfaces, and ensure good lighting around the front door for safe entry. Installing grab bars near the door provides extra stability. Additionally,  use rubber-backed rugs to avoid slipping and always clean spills immediately to reduce hazards indoors. Falls can lead to sprains, fractures, or long-term foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate injuries, provide treatment, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional fall prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is known for causing intense heel pain. Those affected by this condition often relay feeling discomfort when first getting out of bed in the morning. There are a few stretches you can perform to help ease the pain linked to plantar fasciitis. One of these types of stretches is known as towel scrunches. You can start by sitting and scrunching a towel with both feet. Then, stand and scrunch the towel with your feet. Another exercise you can try involves standing and trying to place a cotton ball into a cup using your toes. For more advice on what stretches and exercises you can practice to help with plantar fasciitis pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerve thickens, leading to irritation and discomfort. Causes include wearing tight or high heeled shoes, repetitive stress from activities like running, and structural foot abnormalities such as bunions or hammertoes. Risk factors include high arches, flat feet, and participating in high impact sports. Additionally, symptoms often involve burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot that may worsen with walking or standing. A podiatrist can provide a diagnosis, recommend proper footwear, prescribe orthotics, and offer treatments to reduce pain and restore mobility. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact the foot specialists of Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.