Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail pierces the skin at the fold of the nail. Some common causes of ingrown toenails may include trauma, improper toenail cutting, shoes that are too tight, sweaty feet, and medications. Ingrown toenails can also be recognized by the swelling and inflammation around the toenail that is painful when pressure is applied.  While there are many home remedies that can help reduce the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is important to visit a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection or further damage from occurring. Your podiatrist can provide a variety of home remedies, as well as provide surgical options if necessary.

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.

Foot arch pain is discomfort that develops in the curved middle part of the foot and can interfere with walking and daily activities. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, foot cramps from overuse or dehydration, and tarsal tunnel syndrome which compresses nerves in the ankle. Symptoms may include aching, burning, or sharp pain that worsens with standing or activity. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, and wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the exact cause, providing custom orthotics, offering treatment options, and guiding exercises to strengthen the foot. If you have persistent foot arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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.

Neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the nerves, often affecting the feet. It can involve sensory nerves, which transmit sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch. Motor nerves control muscle movement, and autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions like sweating and blood flow. Damage to these nerves can lead to symptoms including numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, balance difficulties, and changes in skin or toenail health. Early recognition and management are vital to prevent complications. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, provide treatments to relieve discomfort, recommend protective footwear, and develop a comprehensive care plan. If you have unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and guidance.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, yet it is prone to painful injuries. Achilles tendinopathy is a condition marked by stiffness, swelling, and discomfort along the tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress. A sudden rupture, or break, occurs when the tendon tears, usually with sharp pain and difficulty walking or pushing off the foot. These injuries typically occur in the back of the ankle, just above the heel. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation, advanced treatments, and guidance for safe recovery. If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain or have sustained an injury, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can accurately diagnose and effectively treat this condition. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.