September 2024

Tibia and fibula fractures are breaks in the two bones of the lower leg. The tibia, or shinbone, is the larger, weight-bearing bone, while the fibula is the thinner bone running alongside it. These fractures commonly occur due to trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and in some cases, visible deformity.  Complications can include nerve or blood vessel damage, delayed healing, and infection if the fracture is open. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to assess the extent of the injury. Treatment varies depending on the severity, but may include casting or splinting for less severe fractures, while surgery with plates, screws, or rods may be necessary for more complex breaks. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Blisters are a common issue for hikers, typically caused by friction between the skin and footwear, often made worse by moisture. Wearing iIl-fitting shoes, uneven terrain, and prolonged hiking can lead to the formation of painful blisters. To prevent blisters, start by ensuring you wear well-fitting, moisture-wicking socks and shoes that provide proper support. Gradually break in new footwear to avoid excessive friction. Keep your feet dry by changing out wet socks and using foot powder. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort early and address them promptly to prevent blisters from developing. Blisters can be uncomfortable and can interfere with your hiking experience. If you have developed a blister that is not healing or has become infected, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can safely deal with the troublesome blister.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. 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 are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Heel pain can arise from a variety of causes, most often related to overuse, wearing improper footwear, or structural issues in the foot. Plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, is the most frequent cause. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, or nerve entrapment like tarsal tunnel syndrome. Systemic conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, can also contribute to heel pain, especially in older adults or those who are overweight. Regardless of the underlying cause, a podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options may include practicing specific exercises, custom orthotics, or in some cases surgery. If you have persistent or worsening heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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

Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in the foot, leading to intense pain and discomfort. Several factors can contribute to foot cramps. Inappropriate footwear, such as shoes that are too tight or lack proper support, can strain foot muscles and lead to cramps. Excessive physical activity, particularly without adequate warm-up or stretching, can also cause muscle fatigue and cramping. Dehydration is another common cause, as a lack of fluids impairs muscle function. An imbalance in electrolytes, such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium, can disrupt normal muscle contractions and trigger foot cramps. If you have frequent foot cramps that are causing difficulty in completing daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and guide you toward relief and 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.