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Choosing the Right Shoes for Medical Professionals

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.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This condition often develops from repetitive strain, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Symptoms include sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning, tenderness, and stiffness after activity. Additionally, risk factors include increased activity levels, prolonged standing, aging, and excess weight. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide custom treatment plans, and offer support through therapies, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to reduce pain. If heel pain is disrupting your routine, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

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 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.

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

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Toenail Fungus and Foot Health

Toenail fungus, known medically as onychomycosis, affects the nails of the toes and can interfere with overall foot health. This infection occurs when fungi penetrate the nail bed, often thriving in warm, moist environments such as those created by tight shoes or damp socks. Infected nails can become thick, brittle, and discolored, sometimes causing discomfort or pressure when walking. Over time, the fungal toenail infection can spread to other toenails or surrounding skin, leading to pain or secondary infections if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose toenail fungus through a careful examination and laboratory testing to confirm the cause. Proper treatment helps prevent further nail damage and improves the appearance and health of the affected nails. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove a severely infected nail and allow healthy regrowth. If you have been infected by a toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Read more about How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Understanding Foot and Ankle Snowboarding Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries in snowboarding often occur because both feet are attached to a single board, reducing independent movement and increasing stress during falls or sharp turns. Non-releasable bindings can lock the feet in place, leading to sprains, fractures, and tendon strains. Boots and hybrid boots that do not fit well may add pressure, reduce stability, or fail to protect the ankles during landings. These factors can place significant force on the lower limbs, especially on uneven terrain or during high-speed maneuvers. A podiatrist can evaluate injuries, provide proper treatment, and recommend supportive gear that improves safety. If you have foot pain after snowboarding, it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
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