Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the soles to make contact with the ground. This condition can create difficulties with walking, running, or standing for long periods, and often leads to fatigue, pain, and alignment issues. Types of flat feet include flexible flat foot, where the arch appears when not bearing weight, tight Achilles tendon, which limits ankle flexibility, and posterior tibial dysfunction, where tendon weakness causes arch collapse over time. A podiatrist can assess the type of flat feet you have and recommend orthotics, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear in addition to providing treatments to reduce pain and improve function. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and offer effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects the blood vessels that supply the feet and ankles. It reduces circulation and limits oxygen delivery to these tissues. Early signs of peripheral artery disease include cold feet, diminished hair growth on the toes, or a weak pulse in the ankles. As peripheral artery disease progresses, cramping or pain in the feet during walking that improves with rest can occur. More advanced cases of PAD can cause persistent pain in the feet at night, skin that appears pale or bluish, and wounds on the toes or heels that are slow to heal. In severe cases, ulcers or tissue loss may occur, which raises the risk of infection and possible limb loss, if left untreated. A podiatrist can detect PAD by examining the feet, checking circulation, and ordering diagnostic tests when needed. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease affecting the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects the blood vessels that supply the feet and ankles. It reduces circulation and limits oxygen delivery to these tissues. Early signs of peripheral artery disease include cold feet, diminished hair growth on the toes, or a weak pulse in the ankles. As peripheral artery disease progresses, cramping or pain in the feet during walking that improves with rest can occur. More advanced cases of PAD can cause persistent pain in the feet at night, skin that appears pale or bluish, and wounds on the toes or heels that are slow to heal. In severe cases, ulcers or tissue loss may occur, which raises the risk of infection and possible limb loss, if left untreated. A podiatrist can detect PAD by examining the feet, checking circulation, and ordering diagnostic tests when needed. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease affecting the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Heel spur removal is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain caused by bony growths on the underside of the heel. Indications for this procedure include chronic heel pain that does not improve with conservative treatments, such as orthotics or anti-inflammatory measures. Heel spurs often develop due to repetitive stress, plantar fasciitis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, exploring non-surgical options, or determining if surgery is necessary for lasting relief. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Heel spur removal is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain caused by bony growths on the underside of the heel. Indications for this procedure include chronic heel pain that does not improve with conservative treatments, such as orthotics or anti-inflammatory measures. Heel spurs often develop due to repetitive stress, plantar fasciitis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, exploring non-surgical options, or determining if surgery is necessary for lasting relief. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.