Recovering from a sprained ankle involves more than just rest and elevation. Therapeutic exercises can play a significant role in speeding up recovery and ensuring that your ankle is strong and stable. When ligaments in the ankle do not heal correctly, they remain weak and are prone to future injuries. A podiatrist can recommend a range of exercises to aid your recovery, and it is essential to follow their advice to avoid chronic ankle pain. One such exercise is the ABCs, where you sit with your foot in the air and trace the alphabet with your toes to improve your range of motion. The dorsiflexion stretch involves using a towel to gently pull your toes towards you, which increases flexibility. Toe curls and eversion exercises with a towel help in strengthening and stabilizing the ankle. Each exercise should be performed slowly and without pain to avoid aggravating the injury. Additionally, it is beneficial to check with your podiatrist before undertaking any kind of ankle exercise routine. If you have a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT, disease is a hereditary condition that affects the ability of the peripheral nerves to communicate with the muscles, joints, and skin. A progressive condition, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects the lower extremities first, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the legs and feet. Symptoms such as balance difficulties, high foot arches, twisted ankles, and foot slapping can make walking and finding appropriate footwear challenging. With no cure available, managing CMT involves stretching and exercise techniques to preserve muscle strength and flexibility, while orthotic devices and braces can provide much-needed support for improved mobility. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct bone deformities. Consulting a podiatrist can be particularly beneficial in managing CMT-related foot issues, offering personalized treatments and recommendations to enhance quality of life. If you are suffering from a rare foot condition, such as CMT, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance in managing its symptoms.

 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Ankle pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony, often hindering mobility and affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Causes can vary from sprains and fractures to conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle conditions. They can order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, to assess the extent of injury or identify any underlying conditions. Visiting a podiatrist is suggested to obtain a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan for ankle pain, promoting recovery and preventing future complications.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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
• Bursitis
• 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 North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Laser treatment for toenail fungus involves using focused light beams to target and eliminate fungal infections in the nail bed. This non-invasive procedure is considered both safe and effective, offering a promising alternative to traditional antifungal medications. The laser penetrates the nail to reach the underlying fungus, disrupting its growth and ultimately destroying it. Many patients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, with minimal side effects. Unlike oral medications, laser treatment does not carry the risk of systemic side effects, making it a suitable option for those who cannot tolerate pharmaceuticals. While results can vary, and complete eradication may require multiple treatments, laser therapy remains a highly viable method for combating stubborn toenail fungus. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is the correct treatment option for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin, usually on the toes or soles of the feet, that develop in response to pressure or friction. There are several different types of corns, each with its own distinct causes. Hard corns form on top of the toes or on bony areas due to repeated pressure or friction from improper footwear. In addition, foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes can contribute to corn formation that results from rubbing against the inside of a shoe. Soft corns commonly occur between the toes where the skin is moist and are often caused by friction from adjacent toes rubbing against each other. Seed corns are tiny corns that form in regions of the foot subjected to consistent weight-bearing. They are believed to be caused by dry skin or deformed sweat ducts. Regular exfoliation and moisturizing of the feet can help prevent dry skin and reduce the risk of seed corns. By participating in proper foot care practices, individuals can effectively manage corns and maintain optimal foot health. If you notice or struggle with corns forming on the foot, addressing the underlying cause of corns and treatment with a podiatrist is suggested. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.