Pain in the arch of the foot can greatly impact your daily life, making it challenging to bear weight or walk. This discomfort may result from a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch collapses, leading to pain and strain due to improper distribution of weight. Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively during walking, can also strain the ligaments and muscles, contributing to arch pain. Additional factors such as obesity, ill-fitting footwear, and repetitive high-impact activities can worsen the issue. A podiatrist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating foot conditions, can evaluate your feet to determine the underlying cause of the pain. Treatment may include custom orthotics or specific exercises to relieve pain and improve foot function. If you are experiencing arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and to discuss potential treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

As individuals age, several changes occur in the feet that can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. One common change is dry skin, which becomes more prominent as the skin loses moisture and elasticity with age. This can lead to cracking and irritation. Another effect is the shortening of the Achilles tendon, which can cause tightness in the back of the ankle and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Aging can also contribute to the development of flat feet, as the arches may collapse over time, leading to pain and instability. Hammertoe, a condition where the toes become bent at an abnormal angle, often develops due to muscle imbalances and changes in foot structure. Additionally, toenails may become thicker, more brittle, or discolored as blood circulation decreases and overall foot health declines. If you are elderly and have developed any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer you an effective foot care routine.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.