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Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a relatively lesser-known condition compared to other nerve-related disorders, yet it can cause significant discomfort and affect daily life. This syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of the ankle, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow space formed by bone and ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. One important fact about tarsal tunnel syndrome is that it shares similarities with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition affecting the wrist. Individuals with tarsal tunnel syndrome may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, or electric shock-like sensations in the ankle, heel, and sole of the foot. Various factors, including injury, inflammation, flat feet, or systemic conditions like diabetes, can contribute to the development of this syndrome. If you are experiencing pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs occur in two main forms. One is called heel spur syndrome and the other is termed insertional Achilles tendinitis. Heel spur syndrome involves a bony growth at the bottom of the heel, often resulting from repetitive stress or strain on the foot. Symptoms include sharp pain upon standing or walking, particularly after periods of rest. Conversely, insertional Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. This condition commonly arises from overuse, tight calf muscles, or poor footwear, leading to pain and swelling at the back of the heel. Treatment for both conditions typically starts with conservative measures like rest, stretching, and orthotics. If you have pain that could signify one of these types of heel spurs, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide corticosteroid injections or custom shoe inserts to alleviate discomfort. In severe cases, surgical options, such as heel spur removal or Achilles tendon repair, may be considered.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Heel pain can manifest in several forms, each indicating distinct underlying causes and contributing factors. Side heel pain, also known as lateral heel pain, typically occurs on the outer edge of the heel and may stem from conditions like Achilles tendonitis or Haglund's deformity, where a bony prominence irritates the surrounding tissue. Inside heel pain often arises from conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, which involve inflammation and irritation of the tissues on the underside of the foot near the heel. Additionally, individuals may experience right or left heel pain, which could result from biomechanical issues, uneven weight distribution, or asymmetrical gait patterns. Identifying the specific location and characteristics of heel pain is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you have any type of heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with a tailored treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet bear the weight of your bodiy and facilitate movement with every step. To ensure their health and well-being, it is important to establish a consistent foot care routine. Start by cleaning your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes. Regularly trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails and infections. Moisturizing your feet with a hydrating lotion or cream keeps the skin soft and supple, preventing dryness and cracks. Additionally, wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of foot problems, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis. Finally, incorporating gentle stretches and exercises into your routine promotes flexibility and strength in the muscles and ligaments of the feet. If you are experiencing any foot problems, or are seeking additional information about effective foot care routine strategies, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Genodermatoses encompass a group of genetic disorders affecting the skin, and sometimes, the feet serve as a significant indicator of these conditions. The foot symptoms of genodermatoses can manifest in various ways, reflecting the underlying genetic mutations. Some individuals may experience thickened, scaly skin on the soles of their feet, a common feature of certain genodermatoses like palmoplantar keratoderma. In other cases, individuals may develop blistering or ulceration on the feet due to conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa, where the skin is fragile and prone to tearing. Additionally, abnormalities in nail growth or structure can occur, ranging from thickened nails to the complete absence of nails, as seen in some forms of ectodermal dysplasia. Recognizing and understanding these foot symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and management of genodermatoses. If you have this rare foot condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Neuropathy refers to a condition characterized by damage to the nerves, disrupting the normal communication between the brain and other parts of the body. When neuropathy affects the feet, it can lead to a range of symptoms and complications that significantly affect foot health. Neuropathy often manifests as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp pain in the feet. These symptoms can make it difficult for individuals to sense pain or temperature changes, increasing the risk of injuries and infections. Additionally, neuropathy can cause changes in foot structure and function, leading to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, and Charcot foot. Additionally, poor blood circulation associated with neuropathy can impair wound healing, increasing the risk of ulcers and complications. It is imperative for individuals with neuropathy to prioritize foot care and regularly inspect their feet for any signs of injury or infection. Seeking timely medical attention from a podiatrist and implementing preventive measures can help manage neuropathy and preserve foot health in the long term. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with effective management tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and potential infection. There are different types of ingrown toenails, including those caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or genetic predisposition. Additionally, trauma to the toe or fungal infections can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. The most common type involves the toenail growing into the skin at the sides of the nail bed, often resulting from cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Alternatively, a pincer nail may develop, where the sides of the nail curve inward, putting pressure on the skin. Ingrown toenails can also result from wearing shoes that crowd the toes or participating in activities that put repetitive pressure on the feet. Understanding the causes and types of ingrown toenails is essential for prevention and prompt treatment. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist sooner rather than later. This type of doctor can successfully treat this condition and offer you effective prevention tips.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints, all working in harmony to facilitate movement and support the body's weight. Bones, including the tarsal, metatarsal, and phalanges, form the framework of the foot, providing stability and flexibility. Joints, such as the ankle and subtalar joints, allow for smooth articulation and motion, enabling walking, running, and jumping. Tendons, tough bands of tissue, connect muscles to bones, transmitting force and facilitating movement. Additionally, ligaments, which connect bones to each other, provide stability and prevent excessive movement, reducing the risk of injury. Muscles, comprising intrinsic and extrinsic groups, power foot movements and control foot position. Together, these components create a complex network that enables the foot to adapt to various surfaces and activities. This networks ensures balance, agility, and efficient locomotion. If you have sustained any kind of foot injury or are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.