Items filtered by date: January 2023

Pregnancy can lead to developing certain foot conditions. Many pregnant women notice their feet have become swollen, and it may be uncomfortable to wear shoes. Additionally, the arch may flatten and roll inward as a result of the added weight from the growing fetus. This may also be caused by changes to the relaxin hormone, and will resume normalcy after the baby is born. Swollen feet often become worse during the second and third trimester, and it may help by reducing sodium intake and drinking plenty of water. Some women find it helpful to walk as often as possible, and this is beneficial in maintaining proper circulation. Ingrown toenails can be a common ailment during pregnancy, and many pregnant women choose to have regular pedicures. Wearing shoes that fit correctly is helpful in protecting the feet during this time. If you have questions about foot pain during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

A foot deformity known as a hammertoe is caused by an imbalance of the ligament and the muscle in the toe joint. It results in a toe where the middle joint rises up to form a mountain shape. Hammertoes are frequently experienced by women, as the result of wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods of time. The structure of the shoe, especially those with pointy toe boxes and very high heels, puts too much pressure on the toes and can cause joint imbalance. Other causes of hammertoes include high arches, bunions, and arthritis. In some cases, a hammertoe may be the result of an injury, as sudden trauma can cause the muscles and tendons in the toe to slip out of alignment. Flat feet are another cause of hammertoe because those with flat feet rely more on their toes for stability. And some people are genetically inclined to develop hammertoes. Hammertoes are categorized as flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. Treatment ranging from non-invasive to surgical will depend on the status of the hammertoe. Please contact a podiatrist for an examination and treatment suggestions if you have a hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Cuboid syndrome is a lesser-known affliction of the foot among the general public. Primarily affecting the cuboid bone at the deep plantar area of the foot, cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone moves out of alignment. A medical professional may recommend any number of different techniques to treat cuboid syndrome. Taping is one such technique that might be used to treat the condition or mitigate its effects. Taping can be performed by a medical professional trained in foot health such as a podiatrist. A podiatrist performs this by essentially wrapping the foot in medical tape. Specifically, the podiatrist can secure tape on the bottom of the foot by the cuboid bone and wrap the tape around the top of the foot to the ankle. If you believe that you might have cuboid syndrome, contact a podiatrist today.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Research has shown there may be a connection of walking barefoot and increased cognitive abilities. When children walk barefoot, they may become more aware of different textures that are walked on, which may contribute to understanding spatial awareness. There are numerous nerves in the feet, and when shoes are frequently eliminated, the opportunity to grow new neural connections may increase. The skin on the bottom of the feet will become tougher, and walking in environments with grass or sand may help to increase a sense of freedom. Toxic stress may be decreased, and walking in these types of environments may help to regulate the nervous system. Studies have shown that babies feet are preferred receptors, and emotions may possibly be regulated when children can walk barefoot while outside. If you would like more information about the benefits of having your child walk barefoot, please speak with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Sometimes, certain afflictions of the foot can be so severe that they can only be treated properly by undergoing a kind of surgical procedure. It is important to note that foot surgery is not for everyone and you may not be a good candidate for particular surgical procedures. However, sometimes undergoing a surgical procedure can be beneficial and it might be the only way to treat severe conditions. For example, some individuals can benefit from a surgical procedure for Morton’s neuroma. This condition is defined as the swelling or inflammation of the nerve between the toes or metatarsal bones. The surgical procedure to address Morton’s neuroma consists of removing a small section of the nerve. An incision must be made to get to the damaged nerve and then the skin is quickly sewn up following the removal of the nerve. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about Morton’s neuroma or to learn if you might be a good candidate for surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. 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 our office located in Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.