Diabetes is a condition that affects multiple aspects of your health, including your feet. Individuals living with diabetes need to be vigilant about potential foot-related symptoms, as they are at higher risk of developing complications. One common symptom is peripheral neuropathy, which can manifest as tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet. This occurs when high blood sugar damages the nerves, impairing sensation. Reduced blood flow to the feet is another issue, leading to cold or discolored skin and slower wound healing. Diabetes can also cause changes in the foot's shape, such as Charcot foot, where the arch collapses. This may lead to deformities and instability. Additionally, diabetic individuals are more prone to foot ulcers and infections. It is important to pay close attention to these symptoms, as early detection and proper management are key to preventing severe complications. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 and ankle needs.

Sesamoiditis is a chronic condition caused by frequent pressure and resulting in irritation and painful inflammation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tissues. Sesamoid bones are small bones in the feet that are embedded within tendons and play a vital role in foot biomechanics. Sesamoid bones are under the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint of the big toe. These tiny bones act as a fulcrum of sorts, providing stability to the foot and offering protection and shock absorption for the nearby joints and tendons. Sesamoiditis can be caused by various factors, including damage to the sesamoid bones themselves, joint deformities, such as bunions, as well as conditions like gout, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Certain lifestyle factors, consisting of wearing frequently high heels or engaging in high impact sports, can aggravate the sesamoid bones and result in pain. Differences in arches, body weight, and the size of sesamoids can add to the risk of inflammation. Symptoms typically start mildly and can worsen with continued strain, with pain often concentrated in the ball of the foot. If you believe you are suffering from sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and options  for treating this condition effectively.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

Many people experience foot pain occasionally, or perhaps on a daily basis. It can occur for various reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from having an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, heel pain can be a common problem for patients, which can be indicative of a heel spur or plantar fasciitis. Stretching the heel can be done easily by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. This may also be helpful in relieving arch pain. There are several muscles in the feet which move the toes, and stretching them may help to keep them flexible. The probability of developing hammertoe may decrease when the toes are frequently stretched. Performing these stretches can keep the toes from curling, which is the noticeable symptom in hammertoe. If you would like to learn about additional stretching techniques for the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Swollen feet, also called edema of the feet, can occur from prolonged standing or walking and can be relieved by resting and elevating the legs.  However, sometimes, swollen feet can result from a more serious underlying issue. These conditions often affect the movement of fluids within the body. As aging happens, valves within the veins of the legs that keep blood from being pulled down by gravity and pooling in leg veins may function less efficiently and cause swollen feet. Inflammation of the veins causes leg pain, as well as swollen feet. Deep-vein thrombosis is when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs and block blood from the legs from returning to the heart, which will also cause swollen feet. When one experiences heart failure, the heart is not pumping as it should, and again, blood in the leg veins pools there instead of being pumped back to the heart. Since these and other contributing health conditions can be serious, it is suggested that if your feet are chronically swollen, you see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and get treatment underway.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pickleball has become a popular sport in recent years. It is a mix between tennis, badminton, and ping pong. While it is exciting to experience the thrill of victory, it may come with having foot pain. The game is played by pushing off on the ball of the foot, and this may cause the plantar fascia to undergo stress. When played frequently, it may lead to plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes, and provides the ability to walk and run. Effective stretches for the plantar fascia can begin with rolling the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle. This can help to strengthen the arch of the foot. Some people find it helpful to wear custom-made orthotics, in addition to choosing shoes that fit correctly. If you are interested in playing pickleball, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward techniques that can protect the plantar fascia.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. The absence of the arch is easily noticed as the foot lies flat while standing on the floor. This can affect the foot structure, and as a result, many people have foot pain. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will develop in the teenage years. In some adults, the arch never forms, and they may experience pain which can interfere with completing daily activities. Having surgery on flat feet may be an option for relief. This type of reconstruction surgery consists of repairing the tendons, ligaments, and bone structure that can reshape the foot and ultimately support the arch. There are several pros and cons of having this type of surgery performed. If you have flat feet and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right decision 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 and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is one of the most painful foot conditions that can develop. The pain is felt between the third and fourth toes and results due to an inflamed nerve. If the arch is weak the nerve can become compressed, causing the tissues to thicken. This can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in, therefore the nerve becomes irritated. A numbness or tingling sensation can often be felt with this condition and walking may become difficult. Morton’s neuroma may also gradually develop from extreme overpronation which is the foot continuously rolling inward while walking. This may cause the bones in the front of the foot to compress the nerve. Effective treatment generally begins with frequently resting the foot and some patients choose to insert a cushioned pad into the shoe. If you have developed Morton’s neuroma, please confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition while offering you pain relief options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. 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 our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel spur can produce severe pain and discomfort, despite their small size. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel, generally as a result of consistent pressure the heel endures. Pain that often accompanies this condition is caused by an inflamed ligament that connects the heel to the toes, causing difficulty in completing daily tasks. This can happen from being obese, frequently running, or possibly from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Larger heel spurs may feel like a small hook on the inside of the heel that can be an inch or longer. Intense heel pain will often bring the patient to a podiatrist to have an X-ray taken, which can determine the exact size of it, although the pain is typically caused by inflammation. At the first sign of heel pain, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods that are correct for you, which may include surgery for removal. 

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 feel free to contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.