Items filtered by date: February 2023

Many patients afflicted with sesamoiditis often ask podiatrists how long it will take to heal from this condition. The answer is slightly complicated. Sesamoiditis occurs when the two sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot become aggravated and inflamed. The recovery time will be significantly dependent on the severity of the injury. For example, if a patient has a relatively minor case of sesamoiditis, they can expect their recovery time to be short. The recovery time might only be a few days if the foot is rested and treated properly. However, if a patient has a severe case of sesamoiditis, it may take longer to recover. If you believe you have sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today who can provide treatment and a recovery timeline.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 many branches of medicine, and podiatry focuses on the conditions of the feet and ankles. These can include deformities, growths, and problems that are associated with diabetes and arthritis. There are various places to practice podiatry, consisting of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or owning a practice. The mandatory education requirements include obtaining a bachelor's degree, which is followed by earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. This is done by attending podiatry school and enrolling in courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. This program lasts four years, and upon completion, students will attend a residency program for three years. Extensive training may be needed for more specialized fields of podiatry. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, speaking with this type of doctor may help you in determining if this is the correct choice for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. 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?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Heel pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel or behind it. While rarely indicative of anything serious, heel pain can severely impact normal functioning, especially walking and exercise. Heel pain can also become chronic if ignored. One of the most common causes of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition caused by overstretching or tearing of the plantar fascia or the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. With this affliction, pain, stiffness, and inflammation are typically worse in the morning, upon arising, and activity is resumed. Sometimes using an over-the-counter insole and stretching exercises will be enough to counteract heel pain. However, there are other things that could cause such pain and it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

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.

Research has shown there may be benefits while exercising barefoot. This may be as a result of stimulating the pressure points in the feet, possibly providing a better workout. Conversely, when shoes are worn while exercising, the feet are often ignored, which may limit strength to the bones and muscles. Exercising while barefoot may help to improve balance, which can make it easier to complete everyday activities. Additionally, overall movement may be increased while the toes are not restricted by the top of the shoe. An effective exercise to do while barefoot is known as raising and hovering the heels. It is a stability exercise, and can help to strengthen the Achilles tendon. The muscles can become stronger when lunges are done, and the toes may become more flexible as the entire foot grips the floor. If you would like to learn about additional benefits of exercising while barefoot, please ask a podiatrist who can address any questions you may have.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.