Items filtered by date: July 2020

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the ball of your foot. Over time the sheath surrounding the nerve becomes irritated or inflamed and forms a thickened scar tissue. The most common site of pain is between the third and fourth toes. Pain from this condition is often described as, feeling like a pebble is in your shoe and you keep stepping on it. The pain may be sharp, or you may feel a burning sensation or numbness. People who wear high heels, run regularly, or who have other foot deformities such as hammertoe, bunions, or flat feet are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your problem.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Peripheral neuropathy, which can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in your feet, might make you reluctant to exercise. However, there is scientific evidence that you can benefit from physical activity. Researchers have found that exercising can improve balance, strength, and walking speed, reduce neuropathic pain and sensory disturbances, and improve mobility and confidence in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Doctors recommend that patients with peripheral neuropathy engage in flexibility, endurance, strength, and balance exercises to get maximum results. A podiatrist can help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle by providing treatments to slow the progression of the disease, decrease your pain, and maintain the health of your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Foot disorders are treated by doctors that are known as DPMs. These initials are an abbreviation for doctors of podiatric medicine. They can treat and correct foot conditions that may include hammertoes, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot ulcers. Additionally, they can provide custom-made orthotics which may be helpful in correcting abnormal foot function and structure. Podiatrists undergo an extensive education program, consisting of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, followed by enrolling in a podiatric school for four years. The learned topics can include anatomy, chemistry, and pharmacology. After graduating, many podiatrists choose to enroll in a residency program that can span from two to four years. If you would like to learn more about the role of a podiatrist, it is suggested that you speak with professionals who have chosen this career path.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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 and ankle needs.

There are several bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints that each foot consists of. The feet absorb the weight of the body, and heel pain is experienced by many patients. The shape of the foot may change as the aging process occurs, so one may be vulnerable to developing specific foot conditions. These can include heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and ankle injuries. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly in addition to having adequate cushioning in the heel area. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to heel pain, consisting of certain types of arthritis, or obesity. Research as indicated it is beneficial to perform stretches that can help to loosen the muscles and tendons surrounding the heel, and this may help to relieve a portion of heel pain. If you have any type of heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this ailment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

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 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.