Taking an average of 8,000 steps a day, it is essential to give your feet the care they deserve. Podiatrists emphasize the importance of foot health, offering useful advice. One key recommendation is to refrain from walking barefoot in public showers, as they are hotspots for athlete's foot-causing fungus. Wearing protective footwear such as flip-flops or water shoes is advised. Extra attention should be paid to drying the feet, particularly between toes. The condition of your feet can be indicative of overall health. For instance, changes like the disappearance of toe hair or alterations in skin texture may signal peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, which can suggest broader cardiovascular issues. Dry skin and non-healing ulcers could point to undiagnosed diabetes. Choosing the right footwear is critical. Pointy pumps, for example, can lead to bunions and other painful conditions. Shoes with a wide toe box and heels under two inches are recommended. Additionally, the length of your toes matters. If your second toe is longer than your first, it can lead to various foot problems, including bunions and back issues. This condition, known as Morton's toe, requires wearing appropriate footwear to mitigate problems. Toenail fungus is another common issue, often indicated by discolored or brittle nails. Keeping the feet dry and changing sweaty socks frequently may help to avoid fungus. If you would like to obtain additional information about good foot care,it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful advice.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

In the realm of occupational safety, the significance of foot protection while working cannot be overstated. Whether navigating construction sites, industrial settings, or healthcare environments, the feet are vulnerable to various hazards. Sturdy, well-designed work boots serve as the first line of defense against potential injuries. These boots are crafted to shield the feet from falling objects, electrical hazards, sharp objects, and chemical spills. In professions where standing for prolonged periods is common, the right footwear provides essential support, preventing fatigue and discomfort. Beyond physical protection, appropriate footwear promotes overall foot health by reducing the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. Recognizing the role of foot protection in the workplace emphasizes the need for employers and employees alike to prioritize the selection and maintenance of proper footwear. If you would like more information about specific foot protection during the workday, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Cracked heels, a common foot condition, often arise from dry skin, which can be exacerbated by various medical conditions. For instance, individuals with diabetes may develop neuropathy, a nerve condition that impairs the ability to sweat, leading to increased skin dryness. This lack of perspiration contributes significantly to the development of dry, cracked heels. Similarly, Sjogren’s syndrome, predominantly observed in women, is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its moisture-producing glands, including those responsible for perspiration. This attack results in notably dry skin, heightening the risk of cracked heels. Additionally, specific skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections directly affect the skin's moisture balance. These conditions lead to the skin becoming dry and less elastic, making it more prone to cracking, especially in the heel area, which bears significant weight and pressure during walking and standing. These medical factors underscore the importance of understanding and managing underlying health conditions to prevent or treat cracked heels effectively. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and a determination of whether there is an underlying medical problem, in addition to receiving correct treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Plantar fasciitis, a common ailment that affects the feet, reveals itself as an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This vital ligament plays a pivotal role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock during movement. The onset of plantar fasciitis often stems from repetitive stress or overuse, manifesting in micro-tears that lead to inflammation and pain. Contributing factors can include excessive standing, walking, or running, especially on hard surfaces, as well as wearing ill-fitting footwear that fails to provide adequate support. Tight calf muscles and abnormal foot mechanics can also contribute to the strain on the plantar fascia. Understanding the definition and causes of plantar fasciitis enables individuals to adopt preventive measures. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you with effective treatment methods, in addition to providing you with relief techniques for this painful condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Our feet play a crucial role in maintaining our balance and preventing accidental falls. When it comes to fall prevention, the importance of foot protection is often overlooked. Wearing proper footwear is an essential element in safeguarding against slips, trips, and stumbles. Shoes with slip-resistant soles can provide traction on various surfaces, reducing the risk of sliding. Well-fitting shoes offer stability and support, minimizing the chances of ankle twists or sprains. Additionally, shoes with adequate cushioning can absorb shock and reduce the impact on joints, preventing balance disruptions. Footwear that fits properly and comfortably can help maintain stability and decrease the likelihood of tripping. Whether it is at home, in the workplace, or outdoors, choosing the right shoes for the occasion can make a significant difference in fall prevention, keeping you on your feet and safe. If you would like additional information about the importance of wearing shoes that fit correctly which may help to prevent falling, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.