Obesity can affect the feet and ankles because these structures support the body during standing and movement. As body weight increases, the amount of force placed on weight-bearing joints also rises. The ankle joint can experience forces several times a person’s body weight while standing and walking, which means added weight may increase mechanical stress. Research has linked obesity with a higher occurrence of foot pain and problems such as tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis. Changes in foot width and arch structure may also affect how a person walks and how comfortably shoes fit.

The effects of obesity on the feet may extend to balance, injuries, and long-term mobility. Changes in walking patterns can make movement less efficient, while poor balance may increase the likelihood of falls. Obesity is also associated with adult-acquired flatfoot, which can develop when an important tendon supporting the arch is placed under greater strain. Higher body weight has also been connected with Achilles tendon problems and an increased risk of ankle fractures. These conditions can cause pain that makes physical activity more difficult, creating additional challenges for people already dealing with foot or ankle problems.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain and identify problems that may be related to increased stress on the feet and ankles. An examination can assess walking patterns, foot structure, and areas of discomfort to determine which tissues or joints are affected. This is especially important because obesity may also influence the risks and outcomes associated with certain foot and ankle surgeries. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis and consider factors that may affect mobility or future care. If ongoing foot or ankle pain is limiting your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Balance problems can make everyday movement feel uncertain and increase the chance of falling. Good balance depends on clear signals from the eyes, inner ears, and nerves. Muscles and joints provide more information about body position. The brain uses these signals to control movement. Aging can weaken vision, slow reflexes, and reduce muscle strength. Diabetes-related nerve damage can also limit feeling in the feet. Foot pain, fallen arches, and stiff joints can change the way a person walks. These changes can make it harder to react to uneven ground or a sudden loss of balance.

Several warning signs deserve attention. A person may feel unsteady when standing, drift to one side, or need support while walking. Repeated stumbling and difficulty using stairs can indicate a balance problem. Falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and a lasting fear of movement. Loose shoes can slide or catch against the floor. Shoes with smooth soles can reduce traction. Poor lighting, cluttered pathways, and loose rugs add further risk. Since many factors can work together, a professional evaluation can help identify the source of the problem.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and ankles for pain, weakness, or changes in structure. The exam includes checking joint movement, foot sensation, and muscle strength. The podiatrist can study how the patient stands and walks. This gait evaluation helps reveal movement patterns that affect stability. Treatment options include custom orthotics to improve foot position and reduce uneven pressure. An ankle brace can provide support when weakness or instability is present. The podiatrist can also recommend properly-fitted shoes with firm heel support and slip-resistant soles. Foot evaluations are valuable for patients with diabetes, arthritis, or previous falls. If you have fallen and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. Pressure from standing and walking can cause heel pain. The heel may look rough or have a hard rim of skin. Deeper cracks, called fissures, can cause pain, bleeding, and tenderness when weight is placed on the foot. Dry weather, aging, and prolonged standing can increase the risk. Shoes with open backs can also allow the heel to spread under pressure. Certain health concerns, including diabetes, eczema, and poor circulation, can make the skin more likely to crack.

A cracked heel should receive attention when it is painful, bleeding, or slow to heal. Redness, warmth, and drainage can point to an infection. Patients with diabetes should take heel cracks seriously because nerve damage can reduce feeling in the feet. Reduced circulation can also interfere with healing. A podiatrist can examine the depth of each crack and check the foot for infection. The evaluation can also identify pressure patterns that contribute to the problem. When another condition appears to be affecting the skin, the podiatrist can explain how it relates to the heel damage and coordinate further care.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on closing the cracks, reducing pressure, and restoring healthier skin. The podiatrist can remove thick, hardened skin. This reduces tension around the heel without harming healthy tissue. Protective dressings can cover open areas and support healing. Custom orthotics or heel cups can distribute weight more evenly and limit pressure on damaged skin. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that fit correctly, support the heel, and reduce spreading with each step. Regular foot evaluations can help patients with diabetes or circulation problems avoid deeper wounds and infections. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and adjust the treatment plan. If you have painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment remedies, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that form when repeated pressure or rubbing affects a specific part of the foot. They often develop on the toes, between the toes, or on the soles of the feet. A corn can have a hard center and feel tender when pressure is placed on it. Shoes that are too narrow or do not fit properly can increase pressure on the toes. A toe that bends or sits differently can rub against a shoe and create friction. Corns are different from calluses because they usually form in a smaller, more focused area. They are not contagious, but they can become painful and make standing or walking uncomfortable.

A podiatrist can examine a corn and determine what is causing the repeated pressure. This evaluation can also help distinguish a corn from other skin problems, including a plantar wart. Care focuses on reducing pressure and relieving discomfort. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin, recommend changes that reduce rubbing, and assess whether a foot shape or toe problem is contributing to the corn. Removing a corn without addressing the source of pressure can allow it to return.

In some cases, a corn is connected to an underlying bone or toe problem. When other treatments do not provide enough relief, a podiatrist can discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Surgery can address a structural problem that continues to create pressure on the affected area. A podiatrist can explain the available options based on the location and severity of the corn. Patients with reduced sensation in their feet also need careful evaluation because they might not notice an injury caused by a corn. Professional assessment can help protect the skin and reduce complications, especially when symptoms are persistent or severe. Corns can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.