Items filtered by date: March 2023

The long bones in the foot that connect to the toes are known as the metatarsals. They are common bones to fracture, and this may happen from participating in sporting activities or from dropping a heavy object on the foot. Osteoporosis is a medical condition that can cause the bones to become fragile, which may lead to incurring a broken foot. Common symptoms that can accompany this condition can consist of immediate pain, swelling, and bruising. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to walk on it, and crutches may have to be used that can provide mobility. A broken foot is generally diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, and it is followed by wearing a boot or cast, which can provide stability as the healing process occurs. The recovery period is approximately eight weeks before the patient can wear a normal shoe and bear the weight of the body. A full recovery may take longer if the patient is interested in pursuing high impact activities. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat a broken foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Lateral foot pain refers to pain that runs along the outside of the foot and ankle. This can make it difficult for one to perform their everyday activities. This type of pain can come from a variety of conditions or injuries, such as an ankle sprain, bunions, or cuboid syndrome. Among other things, lateral foot pain can lead to foot instability, swelling, and tenderness. A sprain happens from overstretching of a ligament in the foot or ankle. Cuboid syndrome is a partial dislocation of one of the lateral foot bones, known as the cuboid bone, from tension or excess weight on the bone. Bunions are a bone deformity that causes the big toe to bend in and point towards the smaller toes. Having a bunion can lead to one putting their body weight on the outside of the foot and causing pain there. Since there are other reasons one might have lateral foot pain, if you suffer from such discomfort, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and provide treatment options

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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.

The body naturally processes uric acid through the kidneys. Excess uric acid may form crystals and can cause debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe. This is known as gout, and it is a type of arthritis. There are specific kinds of foods that have large amounts of purines, which convert to uric acid. These can include shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and drinks that are made with sugar. If you suffer from frequent gout attacks, it is beneficial to limit these types of foods and drinks. Common symptoms that are associated with gout can include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the big toe joints. Additionally, it can be difficult to bear weight on the affected foot. There may be other factors that can cause gout to develop. These can consist of obesity, family history, or it may happen to women who are postmenopausal. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

The feet are often taken for granted, and this includes choosing shoes that fit correctly. It is crucial that shoes are comfortable as they are tried on, and a break-in period is generally frowned upon. Many foot conditions occur as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight, often affecting the toes. These can include Morton’s neuroma, bunions, and corns. Relief is often found when shoes that are worn fit properly, and the conditions may gradually diminish. There are helpful tips when purchasing new shoes, including trying them on at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Many people think their feet are one size, however, all shoes are not constructed equally, and the size may vary slightly. Trying shoes and walking in them will help you to determine if the shoe is right for you. This can help to provide an easy fit, and blisters and calluses may be avoided. If you would like more information about how to choose the right shoe size, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

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.