Blog

June 2023

Possible Relief From Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an uncomfortable foot condition. Some people experience debilitating pain and often seek medical treatment from a podiatrist for relief. It develops as a result of an irritated or torn plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and is necessary for pointing and flexing the foot. An injury can cause the plantar fascia to become damaged, possibly causing limping and the patient to favor one foot. Performing simple exercises may help the plantar fascia to become stronger. A calf raise is an effective stretch to do several times per day and is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. It may also help to roll the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen bottle of water, which can help to loosen the bottom of the foot. Many people prefer to use a towel to stretch their feet. This is done by placing it on the floor and scrunching it with their toes. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you the treatment that is best for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the podiatrists  from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

The foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is painful. It is caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area and it affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. High heels can fall into this category, and women can develop this condition if high heels are worn often and for long periods of time. Patients may feel this affected nerve can be malignant, however, it is considered to be a benign growth. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot, and it may be difficult to walk. Temporary relief may be found when wider shoes with lower heels are worn. There may be swelling that accompanies this ailment, and it can be helpful to elevate the feet. In severe cases, some patients may choose surgery that can remove the nerve, and normal activities may be resumed. If you have foot pain from for Morton’s neuroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer the correct treatment methods. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. 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 Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What is Morton's Neuroma?

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

The foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is painful. It is caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area and it affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. High heels can fall into this category, and women can develop this condition if high heels are worn often and for long periods of time. Patients may feel this affected nerve can be malignant, however, it is considered to be a benign growth. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot, and it may be difficult to walk. Temporary relief may be found when wider shoes with lower heels are worn. There may be swelling that accompanies this ailment, and it can be helpful to elevate the feet. In severe cases, some patients may choose surgery that can remove the nerve, and normal activities may be resumed. If you have foot pain from for Morton’s neuroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer the correct treatment methods. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. 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 Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What is Morton's Neuroma?

Which Type of Orthotic Do I Need?

Medical devices that are placed inside the shoes for walking and running are referred to as orthotics. They are used to relieve pain from abnormal foot structures, or from having general discomfort while walking. There are several types of orthotics, and choosing the right ones depends on the condition they will be correcting. Patients who have corns and calluses may benefit from wearing epidermal insoles, which can be successful in removing pressure from the affected parts of the foot. People who desire to have a balanced distribution of weight on the feet may opt to wear comfort insoles that can absorb shock. Orthopedic insoles that are made of one piece may help patients that have flat feet, or additional specific types of deformities. If you have foot pain, and are interested in learning more about orthotics, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine which type is correct for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes

Foot Conditions From Pregnancy

There are a multitude of changes that happen to the body during pregnancy. These can affect the feet, and many pregnant women find relief from resting and elevating their feet at various times during the day. A common condition during pregnancy is flat feet, which causes the arch to temporarily disappear as weight is gained. An effective remedy for flat feet during this time can include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and wearing custom-made orthotics. These types of insoles may be helpful in providing the support that is needed to relieve the pain from achy feet. Hormonal changes may cause the feet to have hot or burning sensations, possibly leading to an increase in body temperature. The majority of foot conditions during pregnancy may be managed by drinking plenty of water daily, keeping physically active, and wearing seamless socks, which may help poor circulation. It is suggested that women who have foot pain during pregnancy speak to a podiatrist who can offer effective relief remedies.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to 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.

Read more about Foot Care for Pregnant Women

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!

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