Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the bottom of the foot, most often on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by a virus that enters the skin through tiny openings, leading to thick, rough skin that may be painful when walking or standing. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, like locker room floors, pools, or showers. Plantar warts are often mistaken for calluses, but they usually contain small dark dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. A podiatrist can provide relief by safely reducing thickened skin, applying targeted topical treatment, or using freezing techniques to destroy wart tissue. If you believe you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy can lead to long-term changes in the feet because the body undergoes shifts that affect ligaments, posture, and weight distribution. As hormone levels rise, the ligaments the body, including those that support the arches, become more flexible. This increased looseness, combined with added weight, can cause the arches to lower and the feet to widen. Some people notice that their shoe size increases and does not fully return after delivery. These structural shifts may lead to new areas of soreness, changes in balance, or greater fatigue when walking. Wearing supportive footwear, shoe inserts, and gentle strengthening can help maintain comfort as the feet adapt. A podiatrist can evaluate any lasting changes, provide recommendations for support, and address conditions that may develop as a result of pregnancy-related foot changes. If your foot discomfort continues after childbirth, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rock climbing places intense demands on the feet, especially when tight climbing shoes are worn for extended periods. These shoes are designed for precision but can lead to overstrain in the ankle and forefoot as toes are forced into unnatural positions. Common foot injuries in rock climbers include tendon strain, joint irritation, nerve compression, and pain in the ball of the foot. Repeated pressure and limited movement may also contribute to stiffness and reduced circulation. Over time, these stresses can affect balance, strength, and overall climbing performance. A podiatrist can assess foot mechanics, identify sources of strain, and recommend treatment options like activity modification, stretching, footwear guidance, or custom orthotics for support outside of climbing shoes. If foot or ankle pain is interfering with your climbing goals, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on tips on how to protect your feet while rock climbing. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle pain is extremely common because these areas carry the full weight of the body with every step. People often notice aching from plantar fasciitis, stiffness from arthritis, burning from nerve irritation, or swelling from tendon strain. Some experience sharp pain along the heel, soreness across the arch, or discomfort around the ankle after even minor twists. Others feel symptoms linked to overuse, flat feet, or small stress injuries that develop slowly. A podiatrist can sort through these symptoms with a careful exam, imaging when needed, and a discussion of daily activities that may contribute to the problem. Treatment may include supportive footwear guidance, custom inserts, targeted stretching, or in office procedures to ease inflammation. If your pain persists, limits movement, or keeps returning, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.