Posts for category: Foot Care

What are the signs of metatarsalgia?
You could be dealing with metatarsalgia if,
- You have foot pain that is exacerbated by standing, walking, or flexing your foot
- Foot pain gets better with rest
- You have a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot
- There is a sharp or shooting pain in the toes
- Your toes tingle or feel numb
- You feel as if you have a stone in your shoe
What causes this foot problem?
Certain factors can certainly increase your risk of developing metatarsalgia. These risk factors include,
- Experiencing stress fractures in the toes
- Wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box
- Being overweight or obese
- Having certain foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
- High arches
- Intense or endurance exercises such as long-distance running
You can ease metatarsalgia pain and discomfort on your own through simple lifestyle changes including,
- Rest
- Avoiding certain activities and exercises that make the pain worse (e.g., running)
- Wearing properly fitted and fully supportive shoes
- Avoiding high heels or shoes that are too tight
- Placing shoe inserts or padding under the metatarsal bones for further support
- Icing the area multiple times a day
- Taking a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication

What causes flat feet?
Sometimes flat feet are simply inherited (thanks mom and dad!). Other times they develop as a result of a weakening of the posterior tibial tendon due to age-related wear and tear, physical activity, and overpronation. Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop flat feet.
Should I be concerned about my child’s flat feet?
The arches of the feet develop during childhood, so it’s not normal for your baby or toddler to have arches. Their flat feet are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Arches typically won’t form until your child is two or three years old, and some children won’t develop arches until the age of five.
What are some ways to treat flat feet?
If you aren’t experiencing any symptoms then there is no reason to seek treatment for your flat feet; however, if you are dealing with foot pain, particularly around the heel or arches of the foot, then you should talk with your podiatrist about ways to ease your pain and prevent further flare-ups. Some conservative ways to treat flat feet include,
- Wearing properly fitted shoes that provide ample cushioning and support for the entire foot, particularly the arches and heel
- Consider getting prescription orthotics from your podiatrist, which can evenly distribute the weight throughout the foot rather than putting added pressure on the arches or heel
- Losing weight, if the patient is overweight or obese
- Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen, which can reduce pain and swelling
- Talking to your podiatrist about special exercises that you can do to improve the strength and function of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the foot to reduce pain
- Weighing the pros and cons of surgical intervention
Proper foot care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your diabetes. Those who are diabetic are at high risk for peripheral neuropathy which damages the nerves in your legs or arms. If not properly cared for, your feet could become infected and require amputation. If you have diabetes you must learn about diabetic foot care. Take extra precautions when dealing with any foot injury. Get regular checkups with New England Foot and Ankle Specialists in Reading, MA. And inspect your own feet daily for any changes. Don't risk amputation, discover how you can care for your feet and prevent neuropathy.
Why Is Diabetic Foot Care Important?
As a person with diabetes, there is a lot you have to keep track of. You need to be aware of your blood sugar levels, take all your medicine, stay active, and eat healthily, but foot care should be just as big of a priority for you, too. It is estimated that about half of all people with diabetes have diabetic nerve damage. The most common extremities affected are the feet and legs due to the poor blood circulation caused by your disease. It is important to check your feet every day for any problems, early detection can save your legs!
You are at a higher risk for peripheral neuropathy if you are overweight, over 40, have high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. You should see your Reading, MA, podiatrist if you notice any of these problems:
- Blisters, sores, ulcers, or other infections on your feet.
- Tingling or numbing pain in your feet.
- Reduced or lost sense of touch.
- Pain in your legs during physical activity.
- Dry or cracked skin on your feet.
- Change in the shape of your feet.
- Fungal infections between your toes.
How to Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy and Other Diabetic Foot Complications
To keep your feet healthy, make checking your feet part of your diabetic care routine. Check regularly for cuts, calluses, or cracks that could get infected. Be aware of any redness or swelling as it could be a sign of infection. Always use footwear when walking outside. Keep your feet clean and use lotion to prevent cracking. Maintain blood flow. Use footbaths to soothe foot pain. Most importantly, get annual foot checkups from the doctors at New England Foot & Ankle Specialists.
If you live in the Reading, MA, area and need diabetic foot care call (781) 944-4044. New England Foot & Ankle Specialists has a team of experienced doctors ready to assist you with compassion and attention to detail. Peripheral neuropathy is common and dangerous, make sure your feet are in good hands, call New England Foot & Ankle Specialists, today!

- Wash feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
- Make sure to dry feet as soon as possible after dealing with sweaty or perspiring feet.
- Choose socks made from materials that wick away sweat and improve ventilation.
- Apply deodorizing sprays or powders in shoes every day after wear, and make sure to wait 24 hours before wearing the same shoes again.

Certain shoes can leave you prone to cracked heels and dry skin due to friction from wearing loose-fitted shoes. People who wear sandals and other open-heeled shoes are more at risk for developing cracked heels. Instead, opt for closed-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide support.
If you are overweight, you may be surprised to discover that this could be contributing to your dry, cracked heels. This is because your feet take on all of your weight while standing, walking, and running. By safely dropping that excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise you can alleviate some of the pressure placed on your heels to reduce the risk of cracking.
While we know just how luxurious it feels to stand in a steaming hot shower, especially during the winter months, this could be contributing to dry skin on your feet and cracked heels. If this is something you deal with regularly you may look at your current bathing or showering ritual to see if that could be the culprit. Simply use warm and not hot water, which can strip the skin of the oils it needs to stay moist.
You should moisturize your feet every day to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly can help to lock in moisture in your feet. Moisturize every time you get out of the shower and throughout the day, especially before going to bed. If you are prone to very dry, cracked feet, you may wish to moisturize and then wear socks to bed.