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Gout is a painful inflammatory condition that commonly affects the foot, most often the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals inside the joint. The area may look red, shiny, and warm, sometimes with tight or stretched skin. It often feels like sudden intense pain, burning, and extreme tenderness that can make walking or even light contact uncomfortable. Symptoms frequently begin at night and may come on suddenly. Causes include dehydration, kidney problems, and diets high in purines such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating symptoms, confirming the diagnosis through examination and imaging, and coordinating lab testing when needed. Treatment may begin with pain and inflammation control, footwear guidance, and activity modification, then move into long-term management, education, and preventive care. If you are dealing with gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Surgery for plantar fasciitis is considered when long-term heel pain does not improve with conservative care. The goal of surgery is to reduce tension and inflammation in the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue supporting the arch. A plantar fasciotomy is a procedure that involves partially releasing the plantar fascia to relieve strain and promote healing. An endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a minimally invasive approach that uses small instruments and a camera to perform the release with less tissue disruption. This method often allows for smaller incisions and a smoother recovery. A podiatrist carefully evaluates symptoms, imaging, and activity level before recommending surgical treatment. If persistent heel pain is limiting your mobility, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can determine which type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

The big toe carries much of the body weight and often experiences the most pressure inside a shoe, which makes the nail more likely to grow into the surrounding skin. Its nail is larger, thicker, and more curved than the others, so even a small change in how the nail grows or how the shoe fits can cause irritation. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and repeated bumping of the toe can increase the chance of the nail edge digging into the tissue. When discomfort develops, a podiatrist can provide gentle care that removes the offending nail portion and eases the inflammation. Treatment may include reshaping the nail, protecting the skin, or using a procedure that prevents the troublesome edge from returning. If you notice pain, swelling, or difficulty walking because of a toenail problem, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions for ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

Medical professionals spend long hours on their feet, making the right shoes essential for comfort and support throughout the day. Good footwear should offer comfort, versatility, durability, and a proper fit to prevent fatigue and strain. Popular choices include clogs, slip on shoes, and supportive sneakers, each offering unique benefits such as cushioning, stability, and ease of movement. A well-constructed shoe can reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and lower back while improving overall posture. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend footwear that best matches your work demands and comfort needs. If your current shoes are causing discomfort or fatigue, or if you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. 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 contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.