Morton’s neuroma is a nerve issue that most often develops between the third and fourth toes. It can feel like a small pebble is stuck in your shoe or a burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot. Some people notice numbness that comes and goes, especially when wearing tight shoes or walking for long periods of time. The pain may improve when shoes are removed or the foot is rubbed, but the symptoms often return. Over time, the discomfort can become more frequent or intense. Without treatment, daily activities may become difficult. Because Morton’s neuroma involves a thickened nerve, early care can help avoid further irritation. If you are noticing strange sensations or pain in your forefoot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a thorough exam and a clear plan for relief.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stepping on a sharp object can lead to a puncture wound, which is different from a simple cut or scrape. These injuries often push debris deep beneath the skin, increasing the risk of infection. Even if the wound seems small, bacteria may have entered through the opening and caused hidden damage to deeper tissues. Common objects that cause these injuries include nails, glass, or splinters, often encountered outdoors or in work areas. Symptoms may not appear right away, but swelling, warmth, or pain may develop hours later. Footwear may prevent some injuries, but thin soles or walking barefoot raise the risk. Proper cleaning and medical evaluation are important to avoid serious complications such as abscesses or bone infections. If you have stepped on something sharp and the discomfort continues or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to assess the injury and prevent further problems.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused when the tip of the toe lean toward the others. This misalignment is often the result of inherited foot structure, improper footwear, or conditions like arthritis. Risk factors include family history, flat feet, and wearing tight or pointed shoes. Prevention includes wearing shoes with wide a toe box, using supportive shoe inserts, and avoiding high heels. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and provide treatment to relieve pain or suggest surgical correction, when necessary. If you are experiencing discomfort near your big toe or notice a visible bump, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, resulting from small tears and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. These tiny tears cause pain and stiffness, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. Common causes include overuse, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain at the heel, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and a review of symptoms. Imaging tests like X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions. Treatment typically includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, wearing supportive footwear, or anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, targeted exercises or injections may be recommended. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is more than a surface problem. When the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, it can become embedded like a splinter. The nail plate, once pushed into the soft tissue, is treated by the body as something that does not belong. This triggers swelling, pain, and redness as part of a natural inflammatory response. While soaking or trimming might ease discomfort temporarily, they rarely solve the deeper issue. Treatment that takes both the physical problem and personal preferences into account leads to better results. Some people respond well to careful conservative care, while others may need a minor in-office procedure to remove the piece of nail causing trouble. A podiatrist can explain the options and help choose the approach that works best for you. When discomfort continues or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Recovery from an ankle fracture requires time, support, and the right care to ensure proper healing. Rest is essential, especially in the early stages, to allow the bones to mend without added stress. Protecting the ankle with a cast, boot, or brace helps keep it stable and in proper alignment. Gradual weight bearing, as guided by a podiatrist, is important to rebuild strength without causing further injury. Targeted exercise plays a key role in restoring range of motion, balance, and muscle strength as healing progresses. Following instructions carefully and attending follow-up appointments help track recovery and address any concerns early. Ignoring symptoms or returning to activity too soon can delay healing or cause setbacks. If you are recovering from an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for ongoing evaluation and a treatment plan designed for a full and safe recovery.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pad syndrome, also known as fat pad atrophy, occurs when the thick layer of fatty tissue beneath the heel thins out, reducing its ability to absorb shock. This can lead to deep, aching heel pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking. Common causes of heel pad syndrome include age-related degeneration, obesity, repetitive impact activities, wearing improper footwear, and prior heel injuries. People who walk barefoot on hard surfaces may place additional stress on the heel, increasing the risk of pain. A podiatrist can evaluate  heel pad function and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve pressure on the heel. Supportive orthotics and well-cushioned footwear can help reduce discomfort during daily activities. In addition, specific exercises, such as calf stretches, heel raises, and ankle range-of-motion movements, are often used to improve foot control and reduce stress on the heel.  If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and proper treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle injuries are common among high school tennis players, often caused by quick side movements, sudden stops, or awkward landings. Studies looking into whether boys or girls are more likely to get hurt show something surprising. There is no clear difference based on gender. Both male and female athletes experience ankle sprains at similar rates, and the recovery process tends to be alike as well. This means prevention efforts should be applied equally across the board. Proper warm-ups, strength training, and wearing supportive footwear can help reduce risk. Bracing or taping may also offer added protection during practice or matches. If you are a student athlete dealing with ankle pain or repeated sprains, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper 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 podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.