While there are many reasons for foot pain, if the pain is concentrated in the ball of the foot (between the arches and your toes) then you could be dealing with an overuse injury known as metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia can be incredibly painful, making it difficult to stand or even walk without discomfort. If you suspect that you might be dealing with metatarsalgia, a podiatrist can quickly diagnose and treat your condition.

• 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

• 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

• 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

Are you flat-footed? If so, you join the ranks of about 18 million American adults over age 21 that also have this common foot condition, reports the National Foot Health Assessment. Having flat feet simply means that you don’t have arches in your feet, which means that the entire foot touches the ground when you stand or walk. While flat feet won’t cause problems for some, others may regularly deal with achy, sore feet or pain in the ankles, legs, or thigh. If you are dealing with foot pain and you think it may be due to flat feet, your podiatrist can help.

• 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!

It’s an embarrassing problem. Smelly feet can make you feel self-conscious. You can’t get comfortable or take your shoes off without worrying that everyone will notice your stinky feet. Have you ever wondered what might be going on to cause this problem in the first place? While some people are more prone to smelly feet than others, your podiatrist can provide you with some tips to get rid of offensive-smelling foot odors.

• 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.