Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, and even the lower legs. Strengthening and stretching exercises are important for helping people with flat feet because they improve the function of the muscles that support the arch. Weak or imbalanced muscles, such as the posterior tibial muscle, can increase stress on the arch and contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Exercises designed to build strength in the foot and ankle help improve alignment, stability, and flexibility, allowing the feet to absorb impact more efficiently. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend specific exercises, and suggest supportive footwear or custom orthotics to help manage pain. If you often have foot pain linked to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and effective relief 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
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.
Proper footwear plays an essential role in healthy foot development for children. A child’s foot contains 26 bones and 35 joints, supported by soft tissues that are still developing strength and stability. When toddlers first begin walking, many appear flat-footed or may turn their feet inward, which usually improves as the arches and muscles strengthen. Shoes should provide protection without restricting natural movement, allowing the toes to spread and the foot to flex. Properly fitted footwear should include a wide toe box, flexible sole that bends near the front, and a secure heel counter to support alignment. Shoes that lack adequate support or are too tight can interfere with walking, and contribute to ingrown toenails or abnormal gait. A podiatrist can assess the structure and function of a child’s feet, monitor growth, and recommend footwear that reduces the risk of long-term complications. If your child is experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
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 Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
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.
The big toe joint, known as the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, connects the toe bones to the foot and supports body weight with each step. Because of this constant stress, it is vulnerable to several conditions. Bunions may develop when the big toe shifts toward the second toe, often causing pain and deformity. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is forced upward, straining ligaments and tissues surrounding the joint. Osteoarthritis may result from long-term wear and tear, while inflammatory arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and deformities. Additionally, gout may strike suddenly, producing severe pain, redness, and swelling when uric acid crystals collect within the joint. Infections, including septic arthritis, can also lead to rapid big toe joint damage and require prompt care. A podiatrist can provide treatment options including wearing supportive footwear, and even surgery, in serious cases. If you have ongoing pain in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate 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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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.
A toenail that begins to change in color, thickness, or texture may be a sign of infection. What often starts at the edge of the nail can spread across the surface, leading to yellow or white discoloration, brittle texture, and even complete crumbling of the nail plate. In more advanced cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed, which can cause swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity surrounding the toe. These changes occur more commonly in the feet because toes are often confined in warm, damp environments inside shoes, especially when worn for long periods of time. Walking barefoot in public places, like locker rooms, or wearing flip-flops in moist conditions can also increase risk. A podiatrist can carefully examine the affected nail, and identify the cause. Treatment of fungal toenails include trimming away damaged nail tissue, or, if necessary, performing outpatient surgery to remove the infected portion. If you notice changes to your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
For more information about treatment, 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.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
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.
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