The human foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These components work together to provide stability, flexibility, and mobility. The foot is divided into three main sections, which are the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. The toes, or phalanges, and the metatarsals form the forefoot, while the midfoot contains the arches and bones that absorb shock. The hindfoot consists of the heel, or calcaneus, and ankle bones, providing support and balance. Muscles and tendons in the foot enable movement, from walking to running, while ligaments help to stabilize the joints. The arches of the foot, formed by the bones and supported by muscles and tendons, play a key role in shock absorption and weight distribution. Proper foot function is essential for overall mobility and posture. A podiatrist can help identify and treat conditions affecting the foot's bones, muscles, or joints. If you have a foot condition or foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Pinky toe pain can be caused by a variety of factors, often resulting from injury, pressure, or underlying medical conditions. One common cause is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, which put pressure on the pinky toe and lead to pain, blisters, or even bunions. Another potential cause is a stubbed toe or trauma to the foot, resulting in bruising or swelling. Conditions like hammertoe or gout can also lead to discomfort in the pinky toe, causing it to become stiff, inflamed, or deformed. Symptoms of pinky-toe pain include aching, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the toe. In more severe cases, the toe may appear bruised, crooked, or misaligned. If the pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent further issues.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Ingrown toenails in babies occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes discomfort. It most commonly affects the big toe and can result from tight socks, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or natural nail curvature. Unlike in adults, baby toenails are soft and pliable, so the condition often resolves with gentle care. Keep your baby’s feet clean and dry and avoid trimming nails too short or rounded. Instead, cut straight across to reduce the risk of the nail embedding into the skin. If the area becomes red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, such as pus or increased warmth, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can provide safe and effective treatment, ensuring your baby’s comfort and preventing further complications.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 care needs.

Morton's neuroma, also known as midfoot pain syndrome, is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens, leading to irritation or compression. The exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not always clear, but it can result from factors such as wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe box or high heels, which put pressure on the toes. Activities that involve repetitive stress or impact, such as running or jumping, can also contribute to the development of the condition. Symptoms include a sharp, burning pain, tingling, or a sensation of something being stuck inside the shoe. The discomfort often worsens with prolonged walking or standing. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is right for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.