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October 2022

Foot Injuries in Bowling

The wrong twist or slide in bowling can result in a foot injury. One can sprain or strain their ankle or sustain a stress fracture from the wrong foot placement. Well-fitting and quality bowling shoes that are made to slide in the game and can help keep feet balanced aim to prevent such injuries. House shoes often do not fit well. Learning the proper footwork or dance between the right and left feet during bowling is also necessary for safety. Investing time in learning proper bowling footwork and money in obtaining good bowling shoes is recommended. If you have injured your feet in bowling or want to learn more about preventing such injuries, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with these things.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot Problems Common to Seniors

Foot pain in seniors often interferes with daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and even getting out of a chair. It may also affect the balance, which increases the likelihood of falling. Further, movement difficulty contributes to muscle weakness, weight gain, and diminished heart function. One of the most common causes of foot pain in seniors is wearing shoes that do not fit properly. It is believed that three-fourths of seniors over 65 wear shoes that are too small for their feet. In addition, narrow shoes and high-heels, along with footwear that lacks the proper support, contribute to pain, injuries, and risk of falling. Other common types of foot pain in older adults include bunions, calluses and corns, hammertoe, toenail problems, and heel problems. Additional causes are diabetes-related foot problems, such as ulcers and wounds that will not heal, and arthritis-related toe problems, such as gout. If you are experiencing foot pain that inhibits your life, please consult with a podiatrist for an examination and suggested treatment options.

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.

Read more about Elderly and their Feet

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Simple Methods to Protect Your Feet During the Workday

The feet carry the weight of the body, and can endure an excessive amount of stress during the work day. Many people have professions that require standing or walking for the majority of the day, and that can wreak havoc on the body. This can increase the risk of having foot pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to complete daily activities. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and this may help to alleviate the pain. Some patients add a cushioned insole to their shoe, in addition to wearing shoes that have laces which can provide maximum support to the feet and the body as the workday progresses. At the end of the day, the feet will feel better when they are washed, and this may be helpful in preventing fungus from developing. Consuming a healthy diet may help to avoid or limit dehydration, which may result in having foot pain. If you have a career that requires standing, please confer with a podiatrist who can discuss methods of how to prevent potential foot pain.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

Diabetic Foot Blisters

If you are someone who lives with diabetes, then you ought to know that diabetes can negatively impact the health of your feet. One way in which diabetes does this is by making blisters on the feet more likely. Diabetics may not be able to feel when their shoes do not fit correctly because of diabetic neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves. Therefore, when shoes are ill-fighting and the material is rubbing up against the foot in damaging ways, a diabetic might not be able to feel these sensations. Additionally, people struggling with diabetes might develop blisters on their feet because they may have a condition known as bullous diabeticorum, which makes an individual develop blisters spontaneously. A diabetic ought to take the risk of developing blisters seriously because blisters have the potential to become infected. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you have diabetes and blisters.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Diabetic Foot
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