Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition involving the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. It is the leading cause of heel pain, and commonly presents as a sharp stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Discomfort may lessen with movement, but often returns after prolonged standing or activity. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, wearing improper footwear, and repetitive stress from running or standing for long hours. A podiatrist can provide stretching guidance, custom orthotics, and targeted treatment to relieve pain. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and inflammation. This condition often affects the big toe and can become painful if left untreated. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and sometimes infection with drainage. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, and genetic nail shape. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, excessive sweating, and activities that place repeated pressure on the toes. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion, treat infection, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Podiatry is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. People often seek help from a podiatrist because of pain, swelling, numbness, or changes in skin and nail appearance. These problems may be caused by injury, overuse, circulation problems, or chronic conditions such as diabetes. A podiatrist begins care with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging or testing when appropriate. Treatment then progresses to personalized care plans that may include medication, custom orthotics, footwear guidance, targeted exercises, and preventive education. Podiatrists also address infections, wounds, and structural concerns, while helping patients protect their balance and mobility. Early podiatric care can reduce complications and support long-term foot health. If you have problematic foot or ankle conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Snowy conditions and cold temperatures can place stress on the feet, often leading to soreness, stiffness, and changes in the way people walk. Winter boots are frequently chosen for warmth or traction, yet many lack proper support, place excess pressure on the ball of the foot, or restrict natural movement. Winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, require specialized footwear that can further strain the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can evaluate how winter footwear and seasonal activities affect foot mechanics and diagnose tendon strain, nerve irritation, or joint inflammation. Treatment may include professional guidance on footwear selection, custom orthotics, gait evaluation, and medical care designed to reduce pain and protect foot structure throughout the winter months. If your feet are sore from severe winter weather, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.