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A blister is the body’s response to protecting skin that has become damaged. It is defined as a small bubble that forms over raw skin, which is filled with a protective fluid and will gradually drain when new skin has formed. The skin can become damaged for various reasons, including excessive friction from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from medical conditions. These can consist of eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions to an insect bite or chemical use. The blister can be protected with a covering while completing daily activities. If a blister is popped prematurely, a new blister may form while the skin underneath it heals completely. Many blisters on the feet can be prevented by choosing shoes and socks that fit correctly. Additionally, it may be beneficial to apply a foot deodorant or powder on the feet to help control sweating as this may also lead to blisters. If you have blisters on your feet, please ask a podiatrist for more information on how to treat and prevent them.

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 the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. 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 our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot conditions may increase as people grow older. This is often the result of reduced fat pads that act as shock absorbers, possibly leading to plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Additional ailments that affect the feet that are prevalent among the elderly include toenail fungus, arthritis, and hammertoe. These may affect the foot structure and may cause the foot to look deformed. A sense of independence may be compromised, and the feet may develop a reduced range of motion. Many foot conditions in seniors can be remedied by choosing shoes that fit correctly and having routine podiatry visits. A podiatrist can correctly trim the toenails and detect uncomfortable conditions such as Morton’s neuroma, peripheral artery disease, and foot ulcers in diabetic patients. If you have questions about possible conditions that can happen to the feet as the aging process occurs, please confer with a podiatrist who can accurately address any concerns you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. 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 our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist, also known as a DPM, is a foot specialist that can identify and treat a wide range of different afflictions of the feet. These doctors are specially trained in caring for the feet and have highly specific and specialized knowledge of this area of the human body. Many podiatrists specialize in treating various groups of patients. For example, some podiatrists only treat those in the service. Additionally, some sports podiatrists specialize in treating athletes. These podiatrists are intimately familiar with the intricacies of sports injuries and how they can affect the feet. For example, a sports podiatrist can easily identify how particular injuries from participating in sports can impact the feet. These podiatrists will be able to predict and understand how susceptible an athlete is to particular foot conditions. Sports podiatrists can also make helpful suggestions about which kind of shoe should be worn by their patients to avoid or mitigate foot injuries. If you are an athlete, schedule an appointment with a sports podiatrist today. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is primarily caused by a fungal infection. Athlete’s foot can produce a scaly rash of some kind, often producing itching sensations. Athlete’s foot can be spread in highly-trafficked public areas such as the sides of public pools and locker rooms. Importantly, however, athlete’s foot can be spread through using towels. If an individual with athlete’s foot uses a towel after taking a shower and then an uninfected person uses the towel, the second person will have a high risk of developing athlete’s foot. Therefore, if you live with someone, it might be a good idea to have separate towels for each individual to avoid this dilemma. It might also be useful to make a point of cleaning the towels every day. This can help ensure that the athlete’s foot is not being unnecessarily spread. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.  

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diving can be safe and fun. However, as with most sports, injuries can occur, and awareness can help with prevention. The most common injury that might affect the feet with diving is smacking the diving board while taking off. Usually, this will result in minor scrapes but can cause a foot fracture. Most diving collisions occur from poor takeoff from the springboard or platform. Things have been invented to help limit these accidents, such as dryland diving equipment which enables one to attempt a dive using a harness over the water or trampoline. The best prevention is continuously practicing the fundamentals of the sport, including board work and takeoffs. Even the best athletes sometimes sustain injuries while participating in sports if you have fractured your foot while diving, see a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common reason for heel pain among active children and young teenagers is Sever's disease. The medical name for this condition is calcaneal apophysitis, and it affects the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease occurs during a growth spurt in this age group, where additional pressure is put on the heel, especially during the beginning of a new sporting season. The heel bone can grow at a faster speed than the tendons and muscles, and this can cause the heel to become less flexible. Common symptoms many children experience with this ailment can include heel pain and swelling, often causing the need to temporarily stop the activity that caused the condition. There may be additional reasons why Sever’s disease can develop, consisting of having one leg that is shorter than the other, or if the arches are abnormal. Relief can begin by frequently elevating the affected foot which may alleviate some of the swelling, and performing specific stretches that can strengthen the foot. If your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, it is strongly urged that a podiatrist is consulted who can offer correct treatment methods.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The ankle is a complex structure of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues that connect the bones of the feet and the legs. The ankle supports your weight whenever you stand, balance, or move. It helps you flex, extend, and rotate your feet. Pain in the ankles can be caused by many conditions. The most common among them are sprains, fractures, and tendonitis. In addition, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, and flat feet. Among the ways to avoid ankle pain are maintaining a healthy body weight, strengthening the leg and foot muscles, and warming up properly before engaging in strenuous exercise or sports. Further, it is a good idea to wear shoes that support the feet and ankles and that are designed for the sport of activity you are doing. At the first sign of ankle pain, it is recommended that you stop the activity immediately and rest the ankle. If pain persists, if the ankle begins to swell, or if bearing weight becomes a problem, it is wise to consult a podiatrist who can determine the severity of your injury and provide appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

About one-third of people over the age of 65 have foot problems that affect their daily lives. Some of these are simply the result of 65 years of standing, walking, running, and jumping. Joints stiffen, muscles get tired, arches flatten, heel padding thins out, and ligaments loosen. According to the American Geriatric Society, podiatrists see more older patients than any other age group. Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, often contribute to developing foot ailments like neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. Among the most common foot problems in seniors are deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. In addition, as everyday foot care becomes either more difficult or less frequent, seniors are more likely to develop ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. Other common foot problems include gout, cracked heels, and plantar fasciitis. It is a good idea for seniors to make regular appointments with a podiatrist, who can help to treat and monitor any foot problems.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. 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 our office located in Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.