Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Its Impact on Feet

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is a chronic condition in children that causes joint inflammation, often affecting the feet and ankles. Foot involvement in JIA can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Over time, this inflammation may cause joint deformities or growth issues in the bones and soft tissues of the foot, affecting a child's mobility and quality of life. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing foot impairments in children with JIA. They can provide custom orthotics to support the foot, reduce pressure on affected joints, and improve walking comfort. Additionally, they may recommend exercises to maintain range of motion and suggest modifications to footwear to accommodate swelling or deformities. If you have a child with JIA, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to ensure foot issues are addressed early and long-term complications are prevented.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the skin between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments, making sweaty feet and tight shoes perfect breeding grounds. Symptoms often include itching, burning, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters or sores. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. While antifungal creams and powders might help mild cases, severe or persistent symptoms may require medical intervention. If you experience intense pain, swelling, or signs of a secondary bacterial infection, such as redness or discharge, it is important to see a podiatrist. This type of doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications or investigate underlying conditions that could be contributing to the problem. If symptoms persist, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and tailored treatment options.

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.

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Understanding Bunions

Bunions are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, causing it to angle inward toward the other toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. As bunions progress, they can also result in inflammation and increased pressure on the other toes, leading to additional foot problems. The causes of bunions can vary, but they are often linked to genetics, improper footwear, especially narrow or high-heeled shoes, and certain medical conditions. While conservative treatments like padding, orthotics, and wearing appropriate shoes can provide relief, severe cases may require surgical intervention. If you are experiencing foot pain or notice the development of a bunion, it is important to address the issue early. Do not let bunions disrupt your daily life. It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. They can assess your condition, recommend treatment options, and help you regain foot comfort.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

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Managing Foot Arch Pain

Foot arch pain can affect daily activities and reduce the overall quality of life. Symptoms typically include sharp or aching discomfort along the arch of the foot, especially after prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in physical activity. You might also experience swelling or tenderness, which can make finding comfortable footwear a challenge. Treatment options for foot arch pain often begin with stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia which can improve flexibility and alleviate pain. Supportive footwear, along with custom orthotics, can provide arch support and cushioning. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend specific treatments tailored to your condition. If you are experiencing persistent foot arch pain, it is important to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend an effective treatment plan to help you get back on your feet comfortably.

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.

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