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Hammertoe is a deformity where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. It can develop from wearing ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalance, or underlying conditions like arthritis. When conservative treatments fail, hammertoe surgery may be recommended to realign or remove part of the bone and restore proper toe function. Like any procedure, there are risk factors such as infection, stiffness, or recurrence, but surgery often provides lasting relief. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, explain surgical options, and provide recovery guidance tailored to each patient. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot 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.

Research has indicated that an elevated body mass index may affect the structure of the foot. A common foot condition in overweight people is plantar fasciitis. This can happen as a result of the feet enduring the weight of the body, and the arches are generally affected. Obesity may lead to diabetes and poor circulation, and these ailments can cause serious foot conditions. It is beneficial to implement a healthy lifestyle which is conducive to maintaining a normal weight. This can consist of performing a gentle exercise routine, drinking plenty of water daily, and eating fruits and vegetables. If you are overweight and have pain in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage your foot pain.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

A plantar heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with chronic stress on the plantar fascia. Causes include repetitive strain from running or walking, obesity, improper footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Risk factors may involve flat feet, high arches, aging, and participating in high impact sports. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain, especially when first standing in the morning, swelling, and tenderness at the bottom of the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and offer treatments such as stretching to reduce pain and restore mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.

Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the joints in the feet, particularly the big toe. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, often at night, and include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. The area may appear shiny and feel extremely tender, even to the touch of a bedsheet. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Common triggers include diets high in red meat or seafood, excessive alcohol, dehydration, and genetic factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and possibly blood tests or joint fluid analysis. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, dietary changes, lifestyle advice, and, in some cases, medication to reduce uric acid levels. A podiatrist can also help manage recurring flare-ups and long-term joint health. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

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.