Plantar warts, though benign, are contagious and can be a source of discomfort for many individuals. These small, grainy growths typically develop on the soles of the feet, particularly in areas that bear weight such as the heel or ball of the feet. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, specifically strains that thrive in warm, moist environments. Plantar warts often enter the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers can increase the risk of exposure to the virus. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised skin integrity are more susceptible to developing plantar warts. The pressure and friction exerted on the feet during walking can flatten plantar warts, causing them to grow inward and become painful. While plantar warts may resolve on their own over time, seeking treatment from a podiatrist can help alleviate discomfort and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the feet or to other individuals. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Stress fractures are hairline fractures in the foot that are caused by repetitive activity, such as running on hard surfaces. These tiny cracks, that can affect various foot bones, often cause pain and further complications if left untreated. Calcaneal stress fractures affect the heel bone, and are common among soldiers and runners. Symptoms include gradual heel pain worsened by weight-bearing activities. Calcaneal stress fractures often require bone scans or an MRI for diagnosis. Navicular stress fractures are more prevalent in sprinters and jumpers. They cause a midfoot ache that worsens with exercise and is accompanied by tenderness over the navicular bone. Metatarsal stress fractures, particularly in the second metatarsal, arise from overuse and poor biomechanics. Symptoms include gradual foot pain and swelling but they are difficult to identify, necessitating advanced imaging for diagnosis. Jones fractures, occurring in the fifth metatarsal after sudden trauma or ankle twisting, cause acute pain, tenderness, and weight-bearing difficulty. If you have foot pain that may be caused by repetitive activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and suggest correct treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Active children often experience heel pain, a common ailment that can stem from various factors related to growth and physical activity. One prevalent condition associated with heel pain in children is Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. This condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and strain, typically during periods of rapid growth. Signs of Sever's disease include heel pain, particularly during physical activities like running or jumping, as well as tenderness and swelling in the affected area. Children may also exhibit a limp or reluctance to participate in sports and activities they once enjoyed. Parents and caregivers need to recognize these signs and seek appropriate medical attention to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. With proper rest, supportive footwear, and guided physical activity, children can recover from Sever's disease and resume their active lifestyles with minimized discomfort. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is contacted who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Gout, a type of arthritis, can cause intense pain that often starts in the big toe. This condition is caused by a build up of needle shaped uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation. The big toe is where painful gout attacks commonly occur because it is a cooler part of the body, and uric acid is more likely to crystallize there. Gout patients usually experience painful joint flares for a week or so, which then disappear for a period of time. Some patients do not experience their next flare for a year or more. Lifestyle factors such as a diet particularly rich in purine-containing foods in addition to genetics can contribute to gout development. During a gout flare up, the big toe may become red, swollen, and extremely tender. It is essential for those experiencing big toe pain to seek medical attention, as managing gout requires having a well informed plan. If you have pain in your big toe and suspect it may be gout, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you find relief from the acute pain associated with this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.