Heel pain can make walking, standing, and everyday activities uncomfortable, especially when symptoms persist or worsen with movement. The heel absorbs significant pressure with each step, so repeated strain or changes in the foot can cause discomfort. Common symptoms include tenderness beneath the heel or pain near the back of the foot. Risk factors include prolonged standing, increased physical activity, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Three common causes are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel pad atrophy. Although these conditions can feel similar, identifying the underlying problem helps a podiatrist recommend appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting the arch, becomes irritated from repeated tension. Pain typically occurs beneath the heel and may feel sharp during the first steps in the morning. Symptoms can also return after sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, flat feet, and activities that repeatedly stress the foot. A podiatrist may recommend supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or other treatment to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia.

Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated, often because of repetitive strain or sudden increases in activity. Pain usually develops at the back of the heel and may worsen during walking or climbing stairs. Morning stiffness and tenderness are common symptoms. Runners and people with tight calf muscles may face greater risk. Treatment options include activity adjustments, supportive footwear, and measures to reduce inflammation.

Heel pad atrophy happens when the natural cushioning beneath the heel becomes thinner, often with age. This reduces shock absorption and can cause deep, bruise-like pain when walking on hard surfaces. Barefoot walking and prolonged standing may worsen symptoms. A podiatrist can examine your heel, assess your gait, and recommend cushioned footwear or heel cups. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Podiatry. 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 offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Good balance helps people walk with confidence and avoid falls. Balance depends on the feet, muscles, and nervous system working together. Age, an injury, or reduced foot sensation can interfere with this process. Foot pain and weak ankle muscles can make a person feel less steady. Balance exercises can improve control by teaching the body to respond to changes in position. Patients with recent injuries, severe dizziness, or frequent falls are at risk of falling. Exercises can be prescribed by a podiatrist. They should be performed near a sturdy counter or railing for support, while wearing shoes with soles that grip the floor.

A podiatrist can determine whether a foot or ankle problem is affecting balance. The evaluation includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and sensation. Care can include customized balance exercises, wearing supportive shoes, or custom orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts made to improve stability and distribute pressure evenly. A podiatrist can explain which exercises are appropriate, and how often to perform them. Movements should remain controlled. Stop if pain, dizziness, or unusual weakness develops. Follow-up visits can track progress and allow the exercise plan to be adjusted safely. 

Several exercises can improve balance without special equipment. For a one-leg stand, hold a stable surface, lift one foot, and keep the standing knee relaxed. Hold briefly, lower the foot, and repeat on the other side. A heel-to-toe walk involves placing one foot directly in front of the other while looking ahead. Sideways walking can improve coordination. Take slow steps to one side, bring the feet together, and then reverse direction. A low step-up can strengthen the legs and ankles. Use a railing, place one foot on the step, and rise slowly before stepping down. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Toe pain can make simple activities, from putting on shoes to climbing stairs, difficult. The toes help support balance and push the body forward when walking. There are many reasons for toe pain. It can follow a stubbed toe, repeated pressure, or an underlying health problem. A sore big-toe joint can be linked to a bunion, arthritis, or gout. Pain in a smaller toe can result from a fracture, hammertoe, or corn. Burning or numbness can point to an irritated nerve. Redness, swelling, and stiffness can also develop, depending on the cause.

Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can crowd the toes and place pressure on the joints. High heels can shift weight toward the front of the foot and worsen certain problems. Toe pain can also begin after sports, a fall, or repeated impact. Diabetes deserves special attention because nerve damage can reduce feeling in the toes. Patients should seek prompt care for an open wound, a change in skin color, or severe swelling. Sudden intense pain and warmth also require evaluation, especially when there was no clear injury.

A podiatrist can examine the painful toe and assess its movement, shape, and skin. The visit also includes questions about when the pain started and what makes it worse. X-rays can reveal a fracture, arthritis, or changes in bone position. Other imaging or laboratory tests can help when the cause remains unclear. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A podiatrist can provide padding, prescribe custom orthotics, or suggest a medical shoe to reduce pressure. Care can also include treating a corn, protecting an injured toe, or addressing an ingrown toenail. For advanced joint damage or a severe deformity, surgery may be discussed. Early diagnosis can keep a small concern from interfering with balance and daily movement. If you have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Podiatry. 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 Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle osteoarthritis develops when protective cartilage inside the ankle joint gradually wears down. This cartilage helps bones move smoothly during activities. As cartilage becomes thinner, bones may rub together and cause pain. Common symptoms include ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Some people experience greater discomfort after standing or walking for long periods. Morning stiffness may occur and often improves with movement. As arthritis progresses, pain can become more frequent and interfere with daily activities. Changes in walking may also develop as the joint becomes uncomfortable.

Several factors can increase the risk of ankle osteoarthritis. A previous ankle fracture or severe sprain can damage cartilage and contribute to joint changes. Repeated injuries may place extra stress on the ankle. Age is another risk factor because cartilage naturally becomes less resilient. Excess body weight can increase pressure on the joint. Foot or ankle alignment problems may also affect joint stress. Causes include previous trauma, repeated stress, and natural wear. Some people develop arthritis without one clear cause.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing symptoms, medical history, and activity levels. A foot and ankle examination can identify swelling, tenderness, and limited motion. X-rays may evaluate joint-space narrowing and bone changes. Treatment depends on symptom severity and joint condition. A podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or bracing to reduce ankle stress. Medication may help manage pain and inflammation when appropriate. Corticosteroid injections may also be considered. If conservative care does not provide relief, surgical options may be discussed based on joint damage.

Ankle osteoarthritis can affect walking, work, and daily activities. Recognizing symptoms early can help you take action. Persistent ankle pain or stiffness deserves attention, especially after an injury. A podiatrist can determine whether arthritis is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan focused on comfort and mobility. If arthritis affects your ankles or feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.