Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. Symptoms include foot fatigue, aching in the arches or heels, ankle instability, swelling, and pain that can extend to the knees or lower back. Common causes include genetics, ligament laxity, injury, obesity, aging, or conditions that weaken the foot structures. Flat feet may also develop over time from prolonged standing or wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot alignment and gait, providing custom orthotics, recommending supportive shoes, and creating a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function. If you have flat feet and are experiencing foot pain or fatigue, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Heel spur surgery is considered when a bony growth on the heel bone continues to cause pain despite other forms of care. These spurs form when repeated strain on the foot leads to calcium buildup along the bottom or back of the heel bone, or calcaneus. Although not all heel spurs cause pain, in some cases they can create pressure and irritation with each step. Surgery removes the excess bone and reduces tension on nearby tissues, including the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot or the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. A podiatrist will examine the source of the pain, review imaging, and decide whether the spur on the bottom of the heel or near the tendon attachment needs to be removed. Recovery takes time as the foot heals and strength returns. If you have developed a heel spur that is causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Overlapping toes develop when one toe lies over or under a neighboring one. This may be due to inherited foot shape, crowding from shoes that are too tight, or changes in how the foot moves when walking. A longer second toe, flat feet, high arches, or a bunion can shift pressure across the forefoot and encourage a toe to move out of line. Arthritis can stiffen the joints in the toes and alter their position over time. In some newborns, an overlapping pinky toe develops from inherited traits or from limited space in the womb. Foot injuries that affect the small joints can also contribute to this condition as the toe loses stability. A podiatrist can assess toe flexibility, alignment, and the overall structure of the foot to recommend the best care. If you or your child has a problematic overlapping toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Sever’s disease is a common condition that affects the heel of growing children, typically between the ages of 8 and fourteen. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from running, jumping, or participating in sports. Symptoms may include heel pain, walking on tip toes to avoid pressure, and difficulty engaging in sporting activities. Children may also experience swelling or tenderness at the back of the heel, which can worsen during physical activity. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose Sever’s disease, provide treatment to relieve pain, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and design stretching or strengthening exercises to reduce strain on the heel. If your child is experiencing heel discomfort or is having difficulty with sports, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.