January 2024

Ingrown toenails, a common ailment, occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort and potential complications. The causes often stem from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or inherited nail shape, creating an environment conducive to ingrowth. The condition typically manifests as redness, swelling, and pain along the nail's edge. Diagnosis involves a careful examination by a podiatrist who assesses the visual symptoms and inquires about the individual's lifestyle and footwear choices. While mild cases may be managed with warm soaks and proper nail care, severe instances may require medical intervention. Podiatrists may recommend partial nail removal or antibiotics to address infection. An ingrown toenail can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide the treatment that is right for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Hammertoe, a common toe deformity, occurs when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments responsible for keeping the toe straight. This leads to a bending or curling of the toe, resembling a hammer. Identifying hammertoe involves a comprehensive understanding of its characteristic symptoms, which include abnormal bending at the joints, corns or calluses due to friction against footwear, and discomfort during movement. Diagnosing hammertoe typically begins with a physical examination by a podiatrist who assesses the toe's appearance and mobility. An X-ray may be employed to determine the severity and underlying causes, such as arthritis or joint inflammation. Timely recognition allows for tailored interventions, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to surgical options, ensuring effective management and relief from the challenges posed by hammertoe. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Onychomycosis is a stubborn fungal infection that affects toenails, including the nail bed, plate, or matrix. Common culprits are dermatophytes like trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes, and candida albicans. There are various types of onychomycosis, such as superficial white, proximal subungual, distal and lateral subungual, and total dystrophic. Traditional treatments include topical, oral, mechanical, and chemical therapies. Topical treatments often fail because they cannot penetrate the nail plate. Oral antifungals carry risks of liver and kidney toxicity and drug interactions. A promising alternative is laser therapy. Laser therapy is especially valuable for diabetic and elderly patients, in addition to those with liver or kidney issues. If you have stubborn toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.

Foot arch pain is often due to prolonged pressure on the feet. Muscles and tendons that support the arches can become fatigued, leading to discomfort, especially for those with an active lifestyle. The most frequent cause of foot arch pain is plantar fasciitis, marked by damage to the thick band of tissue under the foot. It typically develops from altered foot biomechanics, bone spurs, and muscle tightness. Foot cramps, which affect 25 percent of individuals who are 60 and older, contribute to sudden, intense muscle spasms and arch pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, though less common, results from pressure on the tibial nerve, causing inner arch pain, pins and needles, and numbness. Plantar fibromatosis involves small nodules in the plantar fascia, causing a firm lump in the arch and pain with pressure. Posterior tibial tendonitis, often the result of overuse during high-impact activities, leads to pain on the bottom of the foot. Stress fractures, commonly caused by repetitive overloading during high-impact activities, result in sharp arch pain with localized bruising and swelling. Additionally, flat feet, where arches collapse, are linked to foot arch pain as well as knee and back pain. Custom orthotics can alleviate discomfort from foot arch pain. For a solution to foot arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot ailment characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The condition typically results from repetitive strain or excessive stress on the feet, causing tiny tears in the ligament. Individuals with plantar fasciitis often experience a stabbing pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. This discomfort may gradually subside during the day, only to resurface after prolonged periods of standing or intense physical activity. The pain tends to be more pronounced after sitting for an extended duration and can impact daily activities, affecting the overall quality of life. Understanding the definition and recognizing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis is essential for timely intervention and management. Plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment method.

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.