Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones that often occur from repetitive impact, commonly affecting the metatarsals, heel bone, or navicular in the foot. Stress fractures are frequently linked to activities such as running, jumping, or sudden increases in training intensity. People who start new sports or increase workout duration too quickly may be at higher risk. Stress fractures can also result when the foot muscles become fatigued and are no longer able to absorb impact, transferring excessive force to the bones. Risk factors include poor foot structure, low or high arches, and inadequate footwear that fails to support the foot during movement. Women may face added risk due to hormonal influences on bone density, especially with irregular menstrual cycles. Previous stress fractures, osteoporosis, or changes in training surfaces, such as moving from grass to pavement, may also increase vulnerability. If you are suffering from foot pain after activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchesterand Bedford, NH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Hammertoes often begin when there is an imbalance between the muscles and tendons that control toe movement. Over time, this imbalance causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a fixed or flexible deformity. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can make the problem worse, especially styles that squeeze the toes or force them into an unnatural position. High arches, flat feet, and certain nerve or joint conditions can also contribute by changing the way pressure is distributed across the foot. As the toe becomes more rigid, it may rub against shoes, leading to corns, calluses, and pain. Early treatment can help prevent progression and may reduce the need for surgery. If you have a toe that is beginning to curl or cause discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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 offices located in Manchesterand Bedford, NH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the bottom of the foot, usually on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or cracks, often in places like public showers, gyms, or pool areas. Plantar warts may look like a callus, but often have a rough surface with black dots, which are tiny clotted blood vessels, at the center. The warts can be painful, especially while walking or standing, as pressure pushes them deeper into the skin. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts and offer effective treatments that go beyond over-the-counter options. These may include cryotherapy, topical acids, immune-boosting treatments, or minor surgical removal. Custom orthotics may also be recommended to reduce pressure on the area during healing. If you have a painful plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchesterand Bedford, NH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
