August 2021

The ankle-brachial index test is a relatively quick, painless, and non-invasive screening measure used to test for the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition in which circulation in the lower limbs is reduced, typically due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can cause them to narrow and harden, thereby impeding blood flow. Symptoms of PAD may include leg cramps, numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking, but in its earlier stages, this condition is often asymptomatic. For this reason, it is important to get tested for PAD. People who are older and those who have a history of cardiovascular disease are especially at risk and can be tested by their podiatrist. During the ankle-brachial index test, the podiatrist measures the blood pressure at the upper arm and at the ankle, comparing the resulting numbers to form a ratio that predicts the likelihood of you having PAD. A high ankle-brachial index score can predict not only PAD, but also cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke. If you are at risk of PAD or are experiencing any symptoms, talk to your podiatrist about vascular testing today. 

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The majority of children are born with flat feet and gradually develop an arch during early childhood, typically between the ages of 3 and 5. Some children, however, continue to have flat feet past this age and even into adulthood. Flat feet may not cause any noticeable symptoms, or they may lead to foot and ankle pain, abnormal walking patterns, and an increased risk of other foot problems. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet through physical examination. Your child may be asked to stand on the ground, sit with their feet dangling over the edge of a chair, stand on their tiptoes, or walk around the room so that the doctor can see how their feet look and function under various conditions. The doctor may also examine their ankles to see if they have a short Achilles tendon, which sometimes co-occurs with flat feet. If you are concerned about the health of your child’s feet, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries among athletes. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect to the bones become inflamed or torn. Ankle sprains are usually noticeable right away, and they are often a result of the foot turning inwards under the body’s weight. Pain can also be felt throughout the ankle, and the joint will likely swell and become bruised. Common treatment methods for sprained ankles include ice, rest, an ankle brace, and ankle taping. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and a fractured or broken ankle. Because of this, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.    

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It might be difficult to know when your child has developed a foot or ankle issue. Because they may not be able to verbalize what’s wrong, or their symptoms may be hard to spot, you should keep an eye out for other warning signs. If your child struggles to keep up physically with their friends or their legs or feet get tired, this may be an indication of flat feet. Between the ages of 8 and 14 children may experience sever’s disease, where the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate at the back of the heel. This causes heel pain which may cause your child to shy away from physical activities. If your child is hiding their feet from you, they may have noticed some change and want to avoid going to the doctor. If your child seems clumsy or frequently trips or falls it may indicate a balance or neuromuscular issue, or that their feet point inward when they walk or run. Of course if they complain of any pain or discomfort in their feet, or you notice any of these warning signs, make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist for a full examination.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels can be stylish, but wearing them too often may have severe long term impacts on the feet. While wearing high heels, the ankles are forced to bend forward and essentially make it like the wearer is standing on their tip toes. This can lead to potential problems like restricting blood circulation, or shortening of the calf muscles as well as the Achilles tendon. High heels with a narrow toe box can lead to other problems too, such as bunions. Because of the stress that these shoes put on the body, osteoarthritis is yet another condition that may result from wearing high heels frequently. Not only do high heels have an impact on the feet, but high heels can lead to concerns with your back and knees as well. If you are experiencing any problems with your feet due to high heels, please consult with your local podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to treat any foot condition that may have developed, as well as provide shoe inserts or orthotics, and make recommendations on other stylish shoes that can be healthier for your feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.