Items filtered by date: August 2022

Several illnesses that affect your body also have a deleterious effect on your feet. In addition, simply aging can negatively affect the health of your feet. Anyone who has diabetes is at risk of developing serious foot and ankle problems. Two common side effects from this disease are nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral artery disease), and both are the result of high blood sugar levels. Neuropathy causes numbness and inhibits the ability to detect sores and wounds that may then become infected. Poor circulation limits blood flow to the extremities, slowing down the ability of the sores to heal. This combination can lead to the formation of ulcers on the feet and ankles, which if not treated properly may cause gangrene and in serious cases lead to amputation. Another condition that can seriously affect the feet is arthritis. This includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and gout, which can result in pain, joint damage, and deformity. The aging process itself affects the feet as the skin loses its elasticity, protective fat pads get thinner, and the likelihood of falling increases. It is a good idea, especially if you have any of these conditions, to begin seeing a podiatrist for regular checkups designed to keep your feet healthy. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Children’s feet are not fully developed until the age of 18 or so. For this reason, parents need to be aware that the size and shape of their child’s foot may have changed since the last time they got new shoes. Kids involved in sports need special attention to their shoes to keep their feet healthy as they grow and play. Foot health experts suggest they wear padded socks made especially for cleated shoes or running shoes. Be certain that the child’s foot is measured properly while standing up to ensure a good fit. Bring along any orthotics or shoe inserts while fitting the shoes. Make sure the shoes fit and feel good to the child, checking that there is enough room in the toe box for the toes to wiggle. The shoes should not pinch, rub, or chafe. Have the child mimic any moves they make while playing their sport, and avoid buying shoes that need to be “broken in” after purchase. As a precaution, it is a good idea to have your child’s feet examined by a podiatrist who can offer suggestions on proper footwear for their sport.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Blisters can affect many parts of the body including the feet, and they occur when small amounts of liquid accumulate in between layers of skin. Dyshidrotic eczema is an important type of blister to be aware of that can affect the feet. This condition can form small, itchy blisters on the toes and the bottom of the feet. Dyshidrotic eczema can take form on the hands as well. If you are suffering from this condition, you might experience several different symptoms. You may notice that the affected area on your feet has changed color, becoming red. You might also notice that the skin has changed texture, becoming scaly and dry. The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema remains somewhat elusive. However, it may be connected to conditions like hay fever. Of course, dyshidrotic eczema is just one kind of blister that can take shape on the feet. Many other kinds of blisters can develop on your feet through friction being applied, for example, by wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin. Blisters from dyshidrotic eczema or any other condition are nothing to take lightly. Talk to a podiatrist if you have blisters on your feet. They can help you address the issue.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

There are several types of running shoes and it can be a daunting task to choose the right type. It generally depends on the style of running that is preferred, whether it is low or high mileage. Additionally, deciding what surface to run on can determine what type of shoe is correct for you. People who enjoy running on pavements may want to choose road shoes to run in. These are adequate in absorbing shock that is helpful in minimizing injury. Trail shoes are suggested for running through soft and muddy trails because of the deep treads they have which can help to support the ankle. Many people choose to have their gait or walking style analyzed and this is important in knowing where the foot strikes the ground, and how far it rolls inward. It is suggested to wear the socks that would be worn with the shoes before purchasing them as this can have an impact on how the shoes will fit. Marathon runners will have a different type of shoe than short distance runners that will typically be more flexible. If you have questions about what type of running shoes to buy and how they can affect your feet, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Some people find it difficult to find the right shoe size, and this may be a result of varying sizes between brands. The easiest way to get an accurate shoe size is by using a Brannock Device. Most shoe stores have this measuring tool, and it simplifies the way you can get an exact shoe size. If this is not available, there is an easy way to size your feet at home. This is done by taping a sheet of paper to the floor and one to the wall, followed by standing on the paper with your heel against the wall. A person is needed to trace the outline of your foot, and then it is beneficial to measure the length and width with a ruler. When shoes are tried on, it helps to purchase them at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear the socks that would normally be worn with the shoes. The shoes need to fit comfortably when first tried on, as damage may occur to the feet if the wrong shoes are worn. If you would like more information about how to purchase the right size shoes, please ask a podiatrist who can help you with the right information. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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