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A broken ankle is a serious injury that can cause immense pain. The tissues surrounding a broken ankle may be affected by this injury. Additionally, there are nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that may be damaged, and the entire foot must recover for daily activities to resume. There are things that can be controlled that may help to accelerate healing. These can include stopping smoking, controlling existing medical conditions like diabetes, and reevaluating medication that may slow down the healing process. A specific type of ankle fracture is referred to as an ankle avulsion. This type of break can happen as a result of a small piece of the ankle bone being pulled away from the surrounding ligament or tendon. This generally happens from a sudden injury, and typically causes pain and discomfort. Swelling can be part of the healing process and can change daily based on the type of activity that is pursued, the time of day, and the position the foot is in. The swelling can be eased when the foot is frequently elevated, and the amount of rest and activity are balanced as desired. A broken ankle requires the expert medical attention of a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can offer you the best treatment methods.

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.

Wearing shoes that fit correctly is crucial in maintaining overall comfort while completing daily activities. Many people will try on several pairs of shoes before finding a perfect fit. It is beneficial to properly measure your feet prior to buying shoes, and this can be done by two different methods. Most shoe stores have a Brannock device, and this is generally effective in determining the correct shoe size. If this is unavailable, the foot can be measured while standing on a piece of paper. When the shoes and socks have been removed and the foot is lying flat on the floor, the foot can be traced. The results of the measurement may be more accurate when the foot is traced by someone else. Research has shown it is beneficial to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Additionally, wearing the socks that would be worn with the intended shoes may help to ensure a proper fit. If you have questions and would like more information about how to find out your shoe size, please confer with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

People who have foot pain at the end of the work day often realize it can be from the shoes they wear or from an inadequate work environment. There are some professions that require their employees to wear high heels, and this can have a negative impact on the feet and other areas of the body. If these types of shoes are mandatory to wear, it is beneficial to stretch the calves and toes as often as possible. Additionally, the feet can feel better when shoes that have a lower heel are worn while not working, which can give the feet and body a chance to rest. Research has shown that wearing incorrect footwear during the workday can lead to falling, and the sole of the foot may become cut or punctured. Shoes that are made of synthetic materials can cause the feet to sweat excessively, which may lead to developing a fungal infection. Many people find it helpful to keep a spare pair of shoes at work, and these can be changed when the feet begin to ache. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to wear at work that can prevent foot pain, please speak with a podiatrist. 

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 Boston Common Podiatry. 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 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.

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone. This is a critical body part that can be associated with a variety of injuries. If one has developed an Achilles tendon injury, there are several things that might be done to treat such an injury. For example, an Achilles tendon rupture might be treated by ensuring that the patient receives sufficient rest. Additionally, the Achilles tendon rupture may be treated with serial casting. In some cases, undergoing a surgical procedure might be used to treat an Achilles tendon rupture. If a surgical procedure is performed, it might close the ends of the affected tendon. If you believe that you have suffered an Achilles tendon injury, contact a podiatrist today.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is a condition that comes from trauma or injury to the calcaneocuboid joint and surrounding ligaments. It is a common injury among athletes and dancers. The cuboid bone provides stability to the outer side of the midfoot and helps distribute the weight of the body across the foot to help with walking comfortably. With cuboid syndrome, the foot is painful, red, and occasionally, it is hard to move. Cuboid syndrome can be hard to diagnose because it has symptoms that can be related to different types of foot injuries. This condition can usually be diagnosed through physical exams where the foot is manipulated to try and bring on the symptoms of cuboid syndrome. If the results of these tests indicate cuboid syndrome, the podiatrist will possibly relocate the cuboid bone back into place or instruct the sufferer to refrain from putting weight on the affected foot and rest it to give the cuboid bone time to heal. If you have pain in the midfoot area, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and provide the best treatment for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury that can affect the ability to walk, run, and participate in jumping activities. It is a condition that affects the plantar fascia which runs along the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the toes to the heels, and tears that occur can result in plantar fasciitis. Gradual discomfort eventually progresses to severe pain, and prompt medical treatment is often sought to manage the pain. People that enjoy running and who develop plantar fasciitis often need to limit the number of times they run per week, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Many patients notice the heel pain is worse in the morning after arising, and performing specific stretches may help to find mild relief. An effective stretch is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist at the first hint of heel pain who can properly diagnose and offer correct treatment options.

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 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 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 Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common foot wound. Without prompt medical treatment, it can quickly become infected, possibly lead to gangrene, and amputation. There are different types of foot ulcers, and they fall into three categories. There are diabetic foot wounds that are considered to be neuropathic, and the patient generally loses sensation but there is no underlying arterial disease (ischemia). This comprises approximately 35% of foot wounds.  An ischemic wound occurs when the patient retains feeling in the foot but there is an indication of underlying arterial disease. The neuroischemic bracket represents 50% of all foot wounds, and both iscehemia and neuropathy can be present. Effective healing begins with having a healthy environment for the wound to heal, in addition to the patient having little or no health issues. Most wounds begin healing by accessing the cause of the wound, followed by removing any damaged tissue from it. It is beneficial to refrain from putting any weight on the foot, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Treating a wound on the foot is often done by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can effectively provide relief treatments.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.