Warming up the ankles before activity helps prepare the joints and muscles for movement and reduces strain during exercise. The ankle is a weight-bearing joint that must move smoothly in several directions to support walking, running, and jumping. Simple stretches that point the toes away and toward the body can improve flexibility and range of motion. Gentle ankle circles and controlled inward and outward movements help loosen the ligaments and tendons that guide the joint. Ankle warm-up exercises improve balance and coordination, which can lower the risk of sprains and injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle movement, check for stiffness or weakness, and order imaging to look for hidden problems. Treatment plans include guided stretching programs, supportive bracing and custom orthotics to improve alignment and protect the joint. If you have stiff or painful ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Diabetes can affect multiple systems in the body, including the eyes, nerves, and circulation, all of which play a role in foot health. Retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the eyes and can reduce vision, making it harder to notice cuts, sores, or changes in the feet. Neuropathy affects the nerves and may cause numbness or burning, so injuries can go unnoticed. Circulation problems can slow healing, increasing the risk of infection. Together, these issues can raise the chance of serious foot complications if not managed carefully. Regular monitoring is critical to catch problems early. A podiatrist is an important part of the health care team, providing routine exams, treating wounds, and helping prevent complications through proper foot care and footwear guidance. If you are managing diabetes and have foot concerns, it is suggested that you schedule routine appointments with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Bunions are a foot condition that develop when a toe joint becomes misaligned, creating a visible bump and pain. The most common type affects the big toe, when it shifts toward the second toe and forms a bump at the base of the joint. A bunionette, sometimes called a tailor’s bunion, forms on the outer side of the foot at the base of the little toe. Although smaller, a bunionette can still cause pain, redness, and swelling, especially when the bump rubs against shoes. Symptoms of both types  of bunions include a firm bump, skin irritation, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected toe. Over time, the toes may drift further out of position, which can make walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity and provide appropriate treatment. Options include custom orthotics, bracing, and surgery to improve alignment and reduce pain. If you have foot problems related to bunions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when it shifts inward and the joint becomes misaligned. A bunion can develop due to wearing improper footwear, aging, genetics, and structural foot imbalances. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Risk factors include tight or narrow footwear, prolonged standing, and inherited foot structure. Bunion surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain or when the deformity interferes with daily activities. Recovery typically takes several weeks and involves rest, limited weight-bearing, and a gradual return to normal movement. If you have a bunion that is causing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.