A broken foot occurs when one or more of the 26 bones in the foot fracture due to injury or stress. These bones include the metatarsals, phalanges, tarsals, and heel bone, all of which are vital to balance and mobility. A break can result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or dropping something heavy on the foot. Symptoms vary depending on severity but often include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight. In severe cases, the bone may protrude through the skin or cause visible deformity. People with improper footwear or weakened bones are more likely to experience foot fractures. A podiatrist can help by ordering X-rays to determine the location and extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve immobilization or surgery. If you have broken a bone in the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and guidance on returning to activities.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . 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 Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people experience common foot problems that can affect daily comfort and mobility. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection causing itching, redness, and peeling, often treated with antifungal creams and keeping feet dry. Blisters result from friction or pressure, relieved by padding, protective footwear, and proper hygiene. Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe caused by genetics or tight shoes, eased with orthotics, wider shoes, and sometimes surgery. Corns develop from repeated pressure and friction, relieved with cushioning, wearing proper footwear, and professional removal. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions, provide targeted treatments, recommend footwear, and offer preventive strategies to protect foot health. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often occurring between the toes. Symptoms include a burning or itchy sensation, scaly, dry, cracked, or peeling skin, blisters on the feet, and sometimes a noticeable odor. This condition is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and swimming areas. Athlete's foot can spread easily, if left untreated, leading to discomfort and skin damage. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the infection, recommend antifungal treatments, and provide guidance on proper foot hygiene and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you have persistent itching, burning, or peeling skin on your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include 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 doctors from New England Foot & Ankle .  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 Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot due to complications from diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, increasing the risk of ulcers. The three main types are neuropathic ulcers caused by loss of sensation, ischemic ulcers from poor blood flow, and neuroischemic ulcers that combine both problems. Treatment involves cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, applying specialized dressings, and addressing infection or circulation issues. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing these ulcers by performing wound care, monitoring healing, recommending protective footwear, and helping prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the type of wound and offer effective treatment solutions.

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 doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . 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 contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.