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A corn on the foot can develop from excess pressure. This is often the result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The types of corns that can form are referred to as hard and soft corns. The latter gradually develops between the toes and can cause severe pain and discomfort. The top of the corn is often moist, and toes that are crammed together for the majority of the day may cause this to occur. Hard corns can develop on top of the toes, or on the bottom of the feet. Patients who run barefoot may be susceptible to developing a hard corn. Additionally, they can form on top of the toes from wearing shoes that can cause excess friction as walking and running are pursued. If you have a corn on your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat any type of corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Some people may experience a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. This ailment causes the feet to sweat excessively and can cause discomfort and embarrassment. It can occur as a result of a thyroid disorder, genetic factors, and obesity. In severe cases, sweaty feet may cause shoes to slip off, and dangerous scenarios may happen while driving if the affected foot slips off the brake. Mild cases of plantar hyperhidrosis may be treated with anti-anxiety medication. For more severe cases, surgery may be considered to clip the nerve, and permanently remove it. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat plantar hyperhidrosis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best 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 and ankle needs.

There are five elongated bones that are located in the feet which are known as the metatarsal bones. These bones absorb the impact that occurs as walking and running are done, and as a result, can become fractured. Stress fractures are considered to be hairline fractures and can happen when repetitive activities are frequently performed. Common symptoms of stress fractures include pain, swelling, and bruising. It is beneficial to avoid putting weight on the affected foot as the healing process takes place. It can occur as a result of a sudden change in running, or from eating foods that have insufficient nutrients. The average recovery time is approximately six to eight weeks, and it may help to gradually return to high impact activities. If you are suffering from a stress fracture, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment option is for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Many people enjoy hiking. Blisters can develop as a result of the miles that are walked on uneven surfaces, and they can be uncomfortable. Excessive friction is a reason blisters can form, which can be caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. A blister is defined as the body’s natural ability to heal damaged skin. A small bubble that is filled with protective fluid forms over the affected area, and will gradually drain as new skin forms. Research has indicated the importance of properly caring for your feet before beginning a hike. These methods can include treating an existing foot fungus, walking barefoot to toughen the skin, and keeping the toenails trimmed. If a blister develops, it can help to protect it with an elastic bandage while hiking is pursued. If you would like additional information about blisters, or if you have a blister that has become infected, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. 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 develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

When a hammertoe is observed, it looks like it is bent in an unusual position. It typically affects the second and third toe. The middle joint shifts upward, which forces the toe to bend downward. This condition can happen as a result of genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or from specific medical conditions. Effective treatment and prevention techniques can include wearing shoes that are large enough to accommodate the hammertoe, and wearing a protective covering over the affected toe. In severe cases, performing surgery may be necessary which can permanently straighten the toes. If you notice signs you may have developed a hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

There are several noticeable signs that can indicate a toenail fungus has developed. These can consist of nails that have become brittle, yellowed, thick, and may even lift off of the nail bed. The fungus that causes these types of infections lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, communal showers, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Nails can easily become infected while frequenting similar types of public places, and it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes if you choose to be in these areas. Patients who have existing medical conditions may be more prone to experience toenail fungus. These can consist of diabetes, athlete’s foot, or it may occur as a result of a nail injury. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options.

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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

If your toe bone has broken into one or more pieces, you have experienced a broken toe. A broken toe can often be mistaken for a toe sprain, however during this type of injury, you may actually hear the bone break. If left untreated, a broken toe can alter your walking or running, and leave you in a great deal of pain. Common symptoms that often accompany a broken toe may include throbbing pain, swelling, bruising or discoloration of the surrounding skin, dislocation of the toe, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected toe. Stubbing the toe, or having an object dropped on it, are the most common causes of a broken toe. To treat a broken toe, a podiatrist may recommend a splint to help support the toe, or surgery for more severe cases. In order to distinguish a toe break from a sprain, it’s suggested you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and a proper diagnosis.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Believe it or not, many illnesses are often initially detected by podiatrists. Our feet can hint at a variety of issues that are occurring throughout the rest of our bodies. For example, problems with blood circulation can cause the feet to change color or feel cold. Simple toenail discoloration can indicate diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. A podiatrist can also tell if toenail discoloration is actually a bacterial or fungal infection. Various kidney diseases can be shown in the feet through ankle swelling or toenail discoloration. Therefore, when experiencing unknown symptoms in the feet, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist to make sure that these symptoms are not indicating a more serious, underlying condition. 

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.