Blog

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam. A podiatrist will observe how you stand, walk, and bear weight. They may check the alignment of your ankles and ask you to rise onto your toes. If the arch does not appear when standing on tiptoe, it may suggest a more rigid form of flatfoot. Imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan may be used to assess bone structure, joint alignment, or soft tissue involvement. Some people have flat feet without symptoms, while others may experience pain or fatigue in the feet, ankles, or legs. If you have foot discomfort or are unsure about changes in your foot shape, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle is a serious injury involving a fracture of one or more bones in the ankle joint. It can result from falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or twisting the ankle awkwardly. Symptoms of a broken ankle include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity in some cases. The area may feel tender, and movement can be limited or impossible. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Minor breaks may require immobilization with a cast or boot, while severe fractures might need surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. Pain management and targeted exercises are important for recovery and restoring mobility. A podiatrist can diagnose your injury through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays. They will guide you through treatment and rehabilitation to ensure proper healing. If you think you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you promptly make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic blisters are rare but serious skin complications that can appear on the feet of people with diabetes. These blisters can form without injury and are often linked to poor blood sugar control and nerve damage, called neuropathy. They typically appear suddenly as fluid-filled sacs on the toes, heels, or soles. While they are usually painless, the skin around them may feel tight or itchy. Left untreated, they can become infected and lead to more serious complications. A podiatrist can evaluate the blister, ensure it is healing properly, and help prevent infection. Treatment usually includes protecting the area with sterile dressings, managing blood sugar levels, and checking for signs of infection. Regular foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent further problems. If you are dealing with this issue, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain along the outer edge of the foot, also known as lateral foot pain, can result from a number of conditions. It may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to overuse or poor foot mechanics. Common causes include stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, ankle sprains, and conditions like cuboid syndrome or arthritis. People with high arches or those who wear unsupportive footwear may be more prone to discomfort in this area. Symptoms can include aching, sharp pain, swelling, or instability during movement. Treatment depends on the cause but often includes rest, footwear changes, targeted exercises, or custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure. In some cases, imaging or further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If pain on the outside of your foot is interfering with your routine or is worsening, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. 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 Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can be more than just a local issue. It may be the first signal of an underlying health condition. Stiffness in the feet can indicate systemic inflammation, such as arthritis, while toe pain may result from gout or bunions. Tingling or numbness in the feet may point to peripheral neuropathy, which is often linked to diabetes or nerve damage. Heel pain is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition triggered by strained fascia along the bottom of the foot. Swelling in the feet and ankles can reflect fluid retention or poor circulation, and may be associated with heart, liver, or kidney concerns. Persistent skin issues like warts or fungal infections may signal immune dysfunction, or, in some cases, thyroid problems. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, identify the root cause of your foot pain. If you have foot pain that persists or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus progresses through early, moderate, and advanced stages. In the early stage, the nail may develop white or yellow spots and mild discoloration. The moderate stage brings thickening, increased discoloration, and brittleness. In the advanced stage, the nail may become deformed, separate from the nail bed, and emit an odor. Risk factors include walking barefoot in damp areas, wearing tight shoes, or having diabetes or poor circulation. Symptoms worsen over time and can cause pain or difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the infection and provide treatment, such as debridement, antifungal therapy, or laser treatment. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Boston Common Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, intense joint pain, often starting in the foot. It occurs when uric acid levels in the body become too high, leading to crystal buildup in the joints. The result may be swelling, warmth, and tenderness that feels severe and may limit movement. Certain dietary habits, including heavy intake of rich meats, shellfish, and sugary drinks, can contribute to these flares. Staying well-hydrated and following a balanced eating plan may help lower risk. In some cases, medicine is needed to manage the condition and avoid long-term damage. Preventing repeated episodes is possible with consistent attention to lifestyle and proper medical support. If you are facing unexplained joint pain or discomfort in your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss options for relief and prevention.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.