May 2022

The feet are the foundation of the body, and many people do not pay attention to  their feet properly until foot pain occurs. Research has indicated that approximately 70% of Americans experience foot pain sometime in their lives, which may lead to injuries unless the cause is identified and treated. A common reason that many people have foot pain is from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This can lead to bunions and hammertoe, which eventually may require surgery for permanent relief. Plantar fasciitis can result from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Stretching the calves and Achilles tendon frequently can help to relieve the pain. Many runners develop stress fractures from increasing speed and mileage too quickly. Ankle sprains are another common source of foot pain. This can happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a step or curb and twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and guide you toward correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

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

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 our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that forms on the skin.  Most often these blisters are caused by one toe repeatedly rubbing against another toe or the lining of a shoe and irritating the skin. These are referred to as friction or pinch blisters and can typically be treated at home. Wearing shoes that fit properly, keeping feet clean and dry, and not walking barefoot in warm, humid areas can help prevent friction blisters from forming.  It is important not to pop or pick at a blister as it can become infected, but if it has broken, toes should be soaked in clean, warm water and Epsom salts. If you are unsure which type of blister has formed, you suspect an infection, or if the friction blister is not healing within a reasonable time, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist to have it evaluated, treated, and to learn how the formation of your blisters can be prevented.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Runners and other people who are active in sports may find that their feet ache at the end of the day. One way to alleviate some of the pain is to invest in orthotics. Typical shoe liners may provide extra cushioning, but if you put miles on your feet each day, as many runners do, it is worth looking into which orthotics would best suit your feet. In cases of avid runners, an insole can be custom-made by a podiatrist to fit your foot. These inserts will likely be made from synthetic, high-performing materials that provide extra support and cushioning. The average lifespan of such orthotics is 400 to 600 miles, which is about the same time as your running shoes generally last. When fitting you with orthotics, your podiatrist will also consider the way you pronate and if you have flat feet, high arches, or any other foot problems. All these factors will help a podiatrist determine the best orthotics for your feet.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Flat feet is generally easy to notice when one is barefoot. While standing flat on the floor, a person that has flat feet will have a small or absent arch, which causes the foot to lie completely flat on the floor. There are some patients who are pregnant or overweight and will develop flat feet temporarily. When their condition changes, the feet will resume their arch. People who enjoy running may experience conditions throughout their bodies that may be related to having flat feet. Flat feet can cause over-pronation, which is when the feet roll inward. It can be a common condition among runners, and it is beneficial to maintain a healthy weight which can lessen the pressure on the feet. Additionally, it is important to follow a good training practice, which may prevent overuse injuries. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe custom made orthotics or shoe inserts specifically designed to your feet.

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.

A large band of tissue that lies on the bottom of the foot connects the toes to the heels. This is known as the plantar fascia, and plantar fasciitis is the term used if it becomes inflamed. Many runners experience this condition, which often causes severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, people who stand on hard surfaces for most of the day may develop plantar fasciitis. Patients who are obese may develop this ailment as a result of the added weight the feet endure. There are a number of strengthening exercises that may bring mild relief. These include standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Some patients find it helps when they roll their foot over a tennis ball. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.