Blog

The heel of the foot may be affected when there are abnormalities of the skin, nerves, and bones. The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is common, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Existing medical conditions that include peripheral vascular disease or arthritis can produce heel pain, in addition to Sever’s disease which affects children and young teenagers. Additionally, many people have heel spurs that are diagnosed as small bones that grow under the heel. These can develop from obesity or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Patients who have Achilles tendonitis may have heel pain. The Achilles tendon is found in the calf, and connects the heel to the calf muscles. If it becomes inflamed from an injury, it may result in severe heel pain. Frequently practicing high-impact physical exercise may lead to heel pain, and relief may be found when the activity is temporarily stopped. There are various ways to treat heel pain, and it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options.

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

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 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.

Pregnant women will notice that as their body undergoes a series of changes throughout their pregnancy, their feet might feel different as well. One change that pregnant women may notice in their feet is that the size of their feet may increase anywhere from half a shoe size to a full shoe size. There are several potential explanations for increasing foot size. First, swelling of the feet and legs is typical for pregnant women. Second, as a woman carries her baby to term she may gain a significant amount of weight. This dramatic increase in weight can exert pressure on the woman’s feet, causing them to spread wider when she stands. Pregnant women might also notice their arches becoming flattened and longer. Third, a pregnant women may experience a larger foot size because she produces the hormone relaxin, which can loosen ligaments in the foot causing them to expand. Consequently, the foot expands as well. Although it is unclear whether you can prevent your feet from expanding during your pregnancy there are steps that you can take to mitigate swelling in your feet and legs. For example, drinking large quantities of water and elevating your feet while sitting can help to improve blood circulation in your feet. If you are pregnant or plan to be, it may be a good idea to contact a podiatrist who can help you maintain proper foot health.

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 Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is a strong band of ligament, known as the plantar fascia, on the bottom of the feet. It attaches to the heel bone and stretches forward, fanning out and dividing into 5 digital bands which connect with the base of the toes. The plantar fascia is integral to the foot’s biomechanics, helping to form and support the arch and absorb shock. Because the plantar fascia is constantly being stretched while walking, running, jumping, standing, dancing, etc., it can become damaged from overuse. This damage can include micro-tears in the tissue, causing inflammation and pain. This is known as plantar fasciitis. Long distance runners, people who are obese, or who have a tight Achilles tendon are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. People who wear shoes or sneakers with insufficient arch support are also more prone to developing this condition. If you have pain in your heel that seems to be at its worst first thing in the morning, have your feet examined by a podiatrist.

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 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.

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 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.

There are a variety of skin conditions that affect the feet and can be quite threatening to the vitality of your feet. Plantar warts are one such condition. These warts can develop on the bottom of the feet when an individual is exposed to a form of human papillomavirus (HPV). This generally occurs from person-to-person contact or in warm, moist environments where HPV thrives. Plantar warts can be dangerous, potentially creating holes in the soles of the feet. Some individuals with plantar warts complain that the condition is quite itchy, and some report scratching at their plantar warts. Itchy plantar warts are not unusual. This is because the plantar wart is itself made up of dry skin that is flaking, which can be itchy. There are several things that you might be able to do at home to stop your plantar warts from itching. For example, you might be able to take an oatmeal bath to soothe the affected skin area. Additionally, you can try applying moisturizer to your plantar warts to get them to stop itching. The application of moisturizer can help replenish your feet with much-needed moisture, which can help the itching subside. Please see a podiatrist to learn more about how to treat your itchy plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

The medical term for the foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma is Morton’s metatarsalgia or interdigital neuroma. It is an ailment that affects the area between the third and fourth toes, and is quite painful. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot and between the toes. It occurs as a result of a nerve that thickens between the toes, and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. High heels generally fit into this category. Additionally,  people who participate in high-impact physical activities that consist of running and jumping may be affected. Many patients with Morton's neuroma experience severe pain and find it difficult to walk. It may begin with a tingling or numbing sensation, and may gradually develop into a shooting pain. It can be likened to walking with a pebble or marble in the shoe. In mild cases, relief may come from implementing simple lifestyle changes, such as wearing comfortable shoes and refraining from running and jumping. Surgery that can reset the nerve may be an option in severe cases. If you have this type of foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

A broken toe is uncomfortable for the majority of people, and can be discouraging for children who sustain this type of fracture. It is often necessary to refrain from putting pressure on the foot as the healing process occurs, and this may interfere with participating in physical activities. A broken toe can happen if a heavy object falls on it, or if it is jammed against a piece of furniture. Many children notice immediate symptoms that include bruising, swelling, and the inability to walk on the affected foot. Additionally, in severe breaks, the bone may protrude from the skin at an abnormal angle, causing severe pain and discomfort. If you think your child may have broken their toe, a proper diagnosis is necessary. This can consist of having an X-ray or MRI taken. For mild breaks, buddy taping can be an effective form of treatment. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, providing the stability needed for complete healing. A broken toe can be treated by a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and monitor this type of injury. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

The importance of knowing how to prevent running injuries is crucial for people who enjoy the sport of marathon running or light jogging. Research has indicated that approximately 50 percent of injuries can happen every year to people who run regularly. An injury to the Achilles tendon is a common running mishap, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. It often happens as a result of increasing speed and intensity too quickly, which may rupture or inflame the Achilles tendon. An effective prevention technique is to warm up and cool down for several minutes, and gradually increase the force of the running. Many people develop and suffer from plantar fasciitis, causing severe heel pain. It can occur from not stretching the calf muscles before running, and prevention can be increased when range of motion is expanded in the overall foot. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments and tendons in the ankle become overstretched from rolling the ankle beyond its normal limitations. When the muscles are strengthened surrounding the ankle, the chance of incurring an ankle sprain may be decreased. If you would like more information about how running injuries affect the feet, and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

As people age and the skin loses its thickness and elasticity, it can become harder to take care of their feet. Because it gets harder to bend and inspect elderly feet, caregivers often assume the role of elderly foot care. This can be a daunting task if the one cared for is embarrassed that they cannot do this for themselves and resist help. The key things to look for regarding an older person’s feet are signs of infection, such as discolored nails, blisters, cracked skin, or bleeding sores and wounds. Clean and dry the feet thoroughly each day. Toenails should be kept at a short length to avoid breaking, snagging on clothing, or scratching the skin. Look for ingrown toenails or hangnails, moisturize the feet, and make sure the elderly person wears shoes that fit properly. Footwear should also provide adequate cushioning and support for the feet, and fasten securely. Socks should not be too tight. If circulation is an issue for an older person a warm foot bath might be employed to help with blood flow and relieve tired, achy feet. If infections or problems with an older person’s feet are noted, a quick response and contacting a podiatrist can prevent a foot health crisis. A podiatrist can properly diagnose, treat, and provide prevention tips on caring for elderly feet.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.