Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that often develop on the feet of diabetics, especially those with poor circulation or nerve damage, called neuropathy. These ulcers often form due to minor injuries that go unnoticed, as reduced sensation can prevent patients from feeling pain or pressure. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, or foul odor. The ulcer may appear as an open sore with surrounding skin discoloration. Without treatment, these wounds can worsen, leading to infection or even loss of limb. Living with a diabetic foot ulcer can severely affect mobility, independence, and emotional well-being. A podiatrist plays a critical role in managing and preventing these ulcers. Treatment includes wound care, offloading pressure with custom footwear or braces, and debridement to remove dead tissue. If you are dealing with this serious issue, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to manage your care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Arthritis is a condition that can impact many areas of the body, including the feet. Each foot contains dozens of joints that support movement and absorb pressure. Over time, these joints can become worn, inflamed, or damaged, leading to reduced flexibility and discomfort. Pain often appears in the toes, the middle of the foot, or around the ankle, especially during walking or after resting. People may notice swelling, stiffness, or tenderness, and, in some cases, changes in the shape or function of the foot. These symptoms may develop slowly or appear after an injury. There are a variety of ways to manage the condition depending on severity, from targeted exercises and footwear changes to medical treatments or surgery. Taking early steps can help protect joint function and ease daily movement. If you have lasting foot pain or stiffness, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for further evaluation.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. 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 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.

Ankle injuries are particularly common among dancers, especially those who perform ballet. Movements such as dancing en pointe place the ankle in a highly pointed position, which can strain the ligaments and muscles that support the joint. One of the most frequent ballet injuries is a lateral ankle sprain, which affects the outer part of the ankle. While many sprains heal with time, some leave behind lasting issues like instability or repeated injuries. Ballet dancers rely heavily on their ankles for balance, precision, and strength, making them more vulnerable to ongoing problems if a sprain is not fully resolved. The muscles along the outside of the ankle, known as the peroneals, work hard to stabilize the foot during dance. When these muscles are overused, especially after an ankle injury, tendinitis can develop, causing pain and weakness. A podiatrist can help diagnose these issues and recommend treatment to improve stability and reduce discomfort. If you have injured an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 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 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.

Swollen feet and ankles can result from a variety of medical conditions that affect circulation and fluid balance. Common causes include heart failure, kidney problems, liver disease, pregnancy, and thyroid disorders. Swelling may come with heaviness, tightness, discomfort, or difficulty walking. It can develop gradually or suddenly, and may affect one or both feet. Chronic swelling in the feet should never be ignored, as it may signal a serious underlying issue. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, identify contributing foot or vascular conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment. If you notice persistent swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to uncover the cause and provide you with treatment options that are tailored to your needs. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.