October 2025

Stepping on a nail can lead to a serious puncture wound, especially if the nail is rusty or contaminated. These types of injuries can drive bacteria deep into the foot, increasing the risk of infection, abscess, or even bone involvement. Symptoms include immediate sharp pain, bleeding, swelling, and difficulty walking. The area may feel tender and become increasingly painful, over time. If the wound becomes infected, you may also notice pus, fever, or red streaks spreading from the site. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the wound, clean and dress it properly, and determine if antibiotics or a tetanus shot are needed. In some cases, imaging may be used to rule out foreign material or bone injury. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist immediately after stepping on a nail to ensure proper wound care and healing.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Plantar fasciitis often develops from repeated stress on the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia. This ligament connects the heel bone to the toes, helps support the arch and absorbs shock with each step. When the plantar fascia becomes strained, small tears can form. This leads to pain that is usually felt near the heel and often gets worse after long periods of rest or standing. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include prolonged standing, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, such as flip-flops, having flat feet or very high arches, or gaining body weight. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot, determine the source of pain, and recommend effective treatment, which may include surgery in persistent cases. If you are experiencing foot pain or other symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, pain, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Risk factors include genetics, flat feet, and wearing narrow or high heeled shoes that put excessive pressure on the toes. Additionally, causes often involve a combination of inherited foot structure and repetitive stress on the joint. A podiatrist can provide solutions including custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and in some cases, surgery to relieve pain and restore function. If you are experiencing discomfort from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions for this condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 care needs.

A hammertoe occurs when one or more of the smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition may start with mild stiffness, but often progresses to a rigid contraction that makes wearing shoes painful. Friction from footwear can lead to corns, calluses, and skin irritation, while the altered position of the toe can disrupt balance and gait. Causes include muscle imbalance, wearing tight footwear, genetic factors, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. Early treatment focuses on relieving pressure with choosing wider shoes, toe pads, or custom orthotics, as well as stretching exercises to improve flexibility. More advanced cases may require surgical correction to restore proper alignment. Addressing a hammertoe promptly can prevent progressive damage and chronic discomfort. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty caused by a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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.