Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, often causing heel pain with the first steps of the day. Most cases improve with conservative care, but when chronic pain persists and limits daily or physical activities surgery may be considered . The procedure typically involves releasing a small portion of the plantar fascia to reduce tension and improve movement. Good candidates are those who have not responded to other treatments and continue to experience significant discomfort. Risk factors include overuse, poor footwear, and foot structure. A podiatrist can provide non-surgical care, and determine if surgery is appropriate. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and determine the best treatment option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toes can change shape that affect the foot and make walking uncomfortable. One toe deformity is termed a hammertoe. It happens when a smaller toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. A bunion  forms when the top of the big toe shifts toward the smaller ones, and the main joint bone at the bottom pushes outward. A claw toe involves more than one joint, causing the toe to bend downward and sometimes press into the shoe. These problems often develop from repeated pressure, muscle imbalance, or abnormal foot movement. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, or trouble fitting into shoes. A podiatrist can use X-rays and other imaging to assess severity. Care includes custom orthotics, protective devices, or surgery to correct alignment and reduce pain. If you have toes that look abnormal, 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 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 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the immune system attacks joints, causing swelling and pain. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a condition that affects connective tissue, leading to loose joints and fragile skin. Lupus is an autoimmune illness that can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the feet. In women with these conditions, foot pain is common and can make walking, standing, and daily tasks more difficult. Ongoing discomfort may limit activity and lower overall quality of life. A podiatrist can help manage symptoms with supportive care, custom orthotics, and footwear advice to improve comfort and stability. With proper treatment, many people can stay active and reduce pain over time. If foot pain is interfering with your routine, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Cuboid syndrome affects a small bone on the outer side of the foot, called the cuboid. This bone helps the foot move and stay stable when walking. In cuboid syndrome, the bone shifts slightly out of its normal position. This can cause pain along the outside of the foot and make it hard to stand or walk comfortably. The problem often happens after an ankle sprain or from repeated stress from running or jumping. Cuboid syndrome can also be linked to having flat feet or tight muscles in the lower leg. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check how it moves, and use imaging to confirm the cause of the pain. Treatment plans include gently guiding the bone back into place and using supportive devices. This includes items like braces, shoe inserts, or padding that help hold the foot in a stable position and reduce strain. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.