The fast, high-impact nature of tennis places significant strain on the feet. Rapid side-to-side movements, abrupt stops, and quick takeoffs can result in problems such as ligament sprains, overuse injuries, stress fractures, and painful heel or arch conditions. Hard playing surfaces can intensify pressure on the joints, and shoes lacking proper support may leave feet vulnerable. Continuous directional changes also challenge ankle stability, increasing the risk of injury. Choosing tennis footwear designed for cushioning and strong lateral support is an important step in protection. Strengthening and stretching the lower legs and feet can further enhance resilience. Players should watch for early signs of discomfort and rest when needed to prevent long-term issues. If soreness, swelling, or persistent foot pain occurs after playing, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often caused by walking barefoot in warm, moist environments like locker rooms or pool areas. It spreads easily and thrives in sweaty shoes and socks. Symptoms include itching, redness, peeling, cracking skin, and sometimes blisters or a burning sensation between the toes or on the soles. The skin may look dry, flaky, or scaly and can become painful if left untreated. While mild treatments may help some cases, prescription antifungal medications, which can be topical creams or oral drugs, are often necessary for stubborn or severe infections. These medications effectively eliminate the fungus and help prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot and recommend the best treatment plan, including proper foot hygiene and preventive measures. If you are dealing with this bothersome issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment, which often includes prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

A toe fracture is a break in one or more of the small bones in the toes, usually caused by direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on the foot. These injuries are common and can vary in severity. Symptoms may include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or deformed. Risk factors include weak bone density, participation in contact sports, and walking barefoot in unsafe areas. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation and determine the best treatment to ensure proper healing. If you think you may have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this injury.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Ankle pain can interrupt daily life, whether it stems from an old injury, overuse, arthritis, or a sudden twist. It may appear as swelling, stiffness, or sharp discomfort when walking or standing. Without the right care, even mild symptoms can worsen over time and limit mobility. Rest, elevation, and wearing supportive footwear may help in the short term, but lasting relief depends on identifying the cause. A podiatrist can assess whether the pain is due to joint damage, ligament strain, or another issue entirely. Treatment might include custom orthotics or bracing to support healing. Because ankles play such a key role in balance and movement, ongoing pain should not be ignored. If your ankle remains sore or unstable, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to find the right treatment and keep your steps steady and pain-free.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.