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Running can be a good form of exercise and many enjoy this sport. However, like other physical sports, it can have negative effects on one’s feet. Heel pain is a common complaint among runners. This can be caused by overuse, plantar fasciitis, foot structure problems, or poor running form. It is critical that heel pain is treated promptly in runners to avoid further injury and complications. Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs from the heels to the toes on the soles of the feet, is overstretched or has slight tears. This results in heel pain, which is often worse after rest. People with flat feet or high arches represent examples of those with foot structure problems that put stress on the plantar fascia and can lead to heel pain after running. There are many other reasons heel pain may affect runners, and if this is something you suffer from, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help you get to the root cause of the pain and offer effective treatment solutions.

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.

Atheltes’ foot is a common foot condition that may recur if prompt treatment is not received. It is considered to be a fungal infection, and is contagious. The fungus that causes this uncomfortable ailment lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and similar areas. Common symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itchiness between the toes, flaky skin, and small blisters may develop in severe cases. Temporary relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried, followed by applying an appropriate cream or powder. This will unlikely bring lasting results, and permanent relief can be obtained from a podiatrist who can prescribe correct medication. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can offer you the treatment that is needed.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

A person might feel foot pain at night from various causes, including lifestyle factors and medical conditions. Such pain may be dull or throbbing and be felt in the ball of the foot, the heel, the toes, the arches, or the ankles. Aching feet can interfere with sleep, and sleep disturbances can make pain feel worse. Lifestyle factors contributing to foot pain at night include standing for prolonged periods, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or pregnancy. One can get muscle fatigue and suffer cramps or spasms in their feet during pregnancy, and the body processes calcium differently, which can also cause foot cramps. Medical conditions leading to nighttime foot achiness include foot problems like Morton’s neuroma or plantar fasciitis or health conditions such as diabetes. Wearing correctly fitting shoes, getting plenty of hydration, and doing foot stretches can help reduce foot pain at night. If your feet continually hurt you at night, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and 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.

Hammertoe is an ailment that affects the toes in the feet. Specifically, the second, third or fourth toes are targeted with this condition and this can happen due to genetics. Patients who have this ailment notice their toes bend downward, and can resemble a hammer. It may also develop from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. This may cause a muscle imbalance, and common symptoms can include swelling and pain, and it can be difficult to walk. This condition develops gradually, and the toes are flexible when first noticed. Prompt medical treatment is necessary to prevent the toes from becoming rigid, because at that point treatment may be difficult. Patients can find mild relief when different shoes are worn, preferably with a low heel and plenty of room that can accommodate the toes. This can be followed by practicing specific exercises that can strengthen the toes. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment method that is right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 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.

Sharp pain in the heels is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis, the most common complaint of heel pain. However, in some cases, the pain may be caused by a heel spur which is a buildup of calcium that forms a protrusion on the heel bone. A heel spur may take months to form and is often the result of too much pressure on muscles and ligaments. Runners and athletes who do a great deal of jumping may be at higher risk for heel spurs. Ironically, a heel spur may also be caused by plantar fasciitis, which makes it even more difficult to diagnose. An X-ray will show whether you have a heel spur. Treatment for a heel spur includes anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, and custom orthotics. If your heel pain continues or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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.

Blisters are a natural method the body uses to heal areas of damaged skin. They form as a result of excess friction that is generally caused by shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. They are defined as a small formation that resembles a bubble and is filled with serum that protects the raw skin. Blisters are common among runners, as a result of the consistent rubbing of the shoe against the heels and toes. The beginning symptoms of a blister will generally be a reddened area, and the skin may tear. There may be medical reasons why blisters form. These can consist of eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. An allergic reaction to an insect bite may also cause a blister to form, in addition to first-degree burns. It is beneficial to avoid popping the blister prematurely. It will gradually drain when new skin has formed. If you are prone to getting blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Cracked heels are a relatively common condition of the foot in which the heels become so severely dehydrated that the skin can essentially crack or form fissures. Fortunately, many different cases of cracked heels are relatively harmless and merely look unsightly. Many newcomers to the field of podiatry often wonder whether cracked heels affect women and men in different ways. The answer is somewhat complicated. Even though about 20% of all adults in the United States have developed cracked heels, women are about 50% more likely than men to report to their medical professional that they have cracked heels. So, therefore, the answer is not straightforward. Just because women are more likely to report cracked heels does not mean that they experience it more than men do. If you are someone that struggles with cracked heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment or to answer any of your questions. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Among the numerous causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is at the top of the list. This common complaint is the result of overuse that inflames the band of tissue that runs beneath the foot. Wearing shoes that offer ample support and proper cushioning is a good way of preventing plantar fasciitis. Adding low-impact sports, such as swimming, is also recommended to give the plantar fascia a rest between high-impact activities. Another type of heel pain caused by overuse is Achilles tendonitis. This occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, becomes inflamed. In the most severe cases, the tendon can be ruptured, for which immediate medical attention is required. Noninsertional Achilles tendonitis involves small tears in the fibers of the middle part of the tendon. Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the lower part of the tendon, where it attaches to the heel bone. Stretching the calf muscles and warming up before embarking on an exercise activity or sport can help to prevent this injury. If your heel pain is severe or is inhibiting your ability to carry out daily activities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment. 

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.