Understanding Cuboid Syndrome

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.

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How Gout Is Diagnosed

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood that forms sharp crystals in the joints. It most often affects the big toe because cooler temperatures in the extremities encourage crystal formation, and the joint experiences frequent pressure. Symptoms include sudden severe pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation, uric acid blood testing, joint fluid analysis to identify crystals, and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds to detect inflammation and joint damage. Risk factors include high purine diets, alcohol intake, obesity, kidney disease, and genetics. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, manage pain, and recommend lifestyle changes and treatment options. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

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Sever’s Disease and Growing Feet

Sever's disease affects children and teens, causing pain in the heel due to inflammation of the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches. It often develops during periods of rapid growth or increased physical activity, placing repeated stress on the heel. Symptoms include heel pain that worsens with running, jumping, or prolonged standing. Swelling and tenderness at the back of the heel are other symptoms. Risk factors include participation in sports, tight calf muscles, flat feet, and improper footwear that does not provide adequate support. Without proper care, discomfort may limit activity and affect mobility. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot mechanics, recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, and providing treatment to relieve pain. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

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Injuries Common Among Runners

Running places repeated stress on the feet, which can lead to several types of injuries over time. One of the most frequent problems is plantar fasciitis. This condition involves irritation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch. Runners may also develop Achilles tendonitis, where the tendon connecting the calf to the heel becomes inflamed and painful. Stress fractures are another concern, referring to small cracks in the bone caused by repeated impact. Pain in the ball of the foot can develop from inflammation around the toe joints. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, assess gait, and use X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotic devices, bracing, and guidance on improving foot alignment to reduce strain. If you are experiencing foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

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Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

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