Items filtered by date: December 2024

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks and shoes. Symptoms include itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blisters. While athlete's foot primarily affects the feet, it can spread to other areas of the body if not treated properly. The infection can spread to the hands if a person touches the affected area and then touches other parts of their body. Additionally, the fungus can spread to the nails or even the groin area in some cases. It is important to maintain good foot hygiene and treat the infection promptly with antifungal medications to prevent it from spreading to other areas. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which often includes prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Pickleball, governed by rules similar to tennis, involves players rallying a lightweight plastic ball over a net on a compact 44 by 20 foot court. While its low-impact nature makes it appealing to athletes of all levels, the sport demands quick reflexes, balance, and agility, increasing the risk of injuries. Senior players are especially vulnerable, with sprains, strains, ruptures, and falls being most common. Women are more prone to fractures due to lower bone density, while reduced conditioning in older adults compounds the risk. Proper footwear designed for lateral movement and a thorough warm-up routine are critical for preventing injuries. If an injury occurs, non-surgical treatments such as rest, targeted exercises, or bracing are often effective, depending on severity. By taking these precautions, players can enjoy the social and physical benefits of pickleball without compromising their health. If you have sustained a lower extremity injury while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.

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 Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear, often causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joint. They typically happen when the ankle twists or turns awkwardly, such as during sports or a misstep while walking. It is important to note that up to 70 percent of people experience lasting symptoms after an ankle sprain, including instability and weakness. This increases the risk of recurrent sprains, especially if not properly managed. Proper treatment, including targeted exercises and, in some cases, bracing or custom orthotics, can help restore strength and prevent further injury. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain, ensure proper healing, and provide a personalized rehabilitation plan. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to reduce the risk of ongoing issues.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen 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 and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers pose a severe health threat, often triggered by peripheral neuropathy, which diminishes sensation and allows unnoticed injuries to progress. Compromised blood flow, a hallmark of diabetes, further delays healing and heightens infection risk. These ulcers are evaluated using detailed grading systems, guiding interventions such as surgical debridement to excise diseased tissue, advanced wound dressings to optimize healing, and off-loading techniques to alleviate pain. Infection control is of utmost importance, along with meticulous glycemic regulation to curb inflammation and promote recovery. Surgical intervention, including reconstruction or amputation, may become necessary in extreme cases. Prevention remains key to the management of diabetic foot ulcers. If you are diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can teach you about vigilant foot care, provide routine monitoring, and care for any foot problems before more severe complications arise.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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 5th metatarsal is the bone on the outer edge of the foot that connects the midfoot to the base of the pinky toe. One common injury to the 5th metatarsal is an avulsion fracture, where a tendon pulls off a small piece of bone from its base. It is also known as a pseudo-Jones fracture. This is often caused by a sudden inward roll of the foot during activities like sports or stepping awkwardly. Symptoms of an avulsion fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising on the outside of the foot, and walking may be difficult. A pseudo-Jones fracture is sometimes confused with Jones fractures, which involve a break in the shaft of the fifth metatarsal bone. These two fractures require different treatments. A pseudo-Jones fracture often heals with a walking boot or cast, while Jones fractures may require surgery. A podiatrist can identify the type of fracture through an exam and X-rays in order to recommend the best treatment. If you have injured your 5th metatarsal, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for the appropriate care.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.