Items filtered by date: February 2024

Selecting the right footwear for work is not merely a matter of style but also a critical aspect of occupational health and safety. Wearing properly fitted shoes can significantly impact overall comfort, productivity, and well-being throughout the workday. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a myriad of problems, including blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Additionally, shoes that are too tight or narrow may cause foot pain, discomfort, and even contribute to the development of long-term foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Conversely, shoes that are too loose can result in instability, increased risk of falls, and potential injury. Properly fitted shoes provide adequate support, cushioning, and alignment for the feet, helping to alleviate strain and pressure on the muscles and joints. Whether standing for extended periods or engaging in physical activities, wearing shoes that fit properly is essential for maintaining optimal foot health and minimizing the risk of workplace-related injuries. If you would like more information about choosing shoes that fit correctly for your work day, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Extensor tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of the tendons in the feet, often arises from overuse or repetitive strain. These tendons, situated just beneath the skin, lack substantial protection which makes them susceptible to injury. In the feet, extensor tendonitis commonly stems from prolonged standing or wearing improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and stiffness, often accompanied by difficulty with movement. Diagnosis by a podiatrist generally involves a physical examination and may require imaging tests to assess the extent of the damage. While surgery is rarely necessary, it may be considered for severe or persistent cases. Overall, early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms of extensor tendonitis and promote full recovery, enabling you to resume your daily activities without discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of extensor tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 brings about numerous changes in a woman's body, and one area that often transforms is the feet. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hormone relaxin, contribute to increased flexibility in ligaments and tendons. This heightened flexibility can lead to changes in the arch of the foot, causing it to flatten or develop a more pronounced arch, depending on the individual. Additionally, the added weight and pressure on the feet can result in swelling and a potential increase in shoe size. These changes are not uniform, and each woman may experience variations in foot structure during pregnancy. As a result, expectant mothers need to prioritize comfortable footwear, adequate support, and regular foot care to alleviate any discomfort. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy or would like additional information on how your foot structure may change, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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 and ankle needs.

There are many kinds of arthritis, and one of them could be a cause of your ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones causes the bones to rub against each other. People with osteoarthritis in their ankle may experience painful joints between the shin and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, often causes joint pain in both ankles. Gout is another type of arthritis that can cause ankle pain because of a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout patients often feel pain in the big toe as one of their first symptoms. Sudden intense pain that lasts for several hours and affects any of the joints, including ankles, can indicate a gout attack. These are not the only forms of arthritis that can lead to ankle pain. Understanding the specific type of arthritis affecting the ankle is important for developing an effective treatment plan. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help identify the underlying cause of your pain, diagnose types of arthritis, and explore appropriate treatment plans. 

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.