Items filtered by date: August 2023

Our feet are often overlooked, but they play a critical role in our health and mobility, carrying us around throughout our lives. As we age, foot problems can intensify, potentially affecting our ability to live independently. The foot is a marvel of engineering, with 26 small bones intricately connected by ligaments, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. These components work in harmony to provide support and mobility. Neglecting foot health can lead to backaches, leg cramps, foot problems, and fatigue. To keep your feet in good condition, inspect them daily, moisturize dry skin, wear well-fitting shoes, exercise regularly, maintain proper hygiene, and trim your nails carefully. If foot problems, including athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails arise, it is important to get early treatment to avoid complications. Practicing a good foot care routine can help maintain healthy feet and put your best foot forward in life. If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you encounter foot issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for further information and care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to your workday, the right pair of appropriate work shoes can make all the difference. Spending hours on your feet can be grueling, especially if you're not wearing the proper footwear. Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can lead to discomfort and even foot problems that linger long after you've left the workplace. Particular caution is needed with pointed-toe or high-heeled shoes, as they can create a host of issues. Lack of arch support, inadequate cushioning, and non-shock-absorbing shoes also contribute to workplace foot problems. Shoes that are too loose or too tight are equally problematic. For labor-intensive roles, like construction, more durable work shoes are essential. Foot pain and disorders often arise due to prolonged standing. Your feet are built for movement, so immobilization can lead to joint misalignment and inflammation. Ventilation is also key. In hot environments, non-porous uppers can lead to sweaty feet and fungal infections. Business casual or dress shoes require consideration of any foot issues. Non-slip outsoles are vital if you're frequently on the move at work, such as may be experienced by restaurant or hospital workers. If you are experiencing foot, heel, or ankle pain as a result of working on your feet for long periods, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony deformities of the big toe joint. They are unattractive, are a common affliction, and can affect people of all ages. Medically, bunions are referred to as hallux valgus. The metatarsal bones in the foot fan out from the base near the ankle to each toe and the distance between them increases as they approach the toes. With bunions, the distance and angle at the base, between the first and second metatarsals, increases over time and a bump develops on a big toe joint. The foot widens and the deformed big toe joint presses uncomfortably against shoes. Pressure from shoes pushes the big toe towards the smaller toes, which emphasizes the bulge on the side of the foot. As time passes, the second toe can lie on top of the big toe and calluses and corns can develop on the toes, leading to further distortion and pain. Walking can also become problematic. If bunions are not tended to, arthritis can develop. It is not just shoes that contribute to bunion formation. Genes, gait, and being female can add to a propensity toward bunions. Wearing narrow-toed shoes or high heels for a prolonged time should be avoided because these types of shoes force the weight down to the ball of the feet and push the toes together. Insoles or orthotics can help and surgery for permanent removal may be an option. If you have a bunion or notice that one may be forming, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can give you advice and offer treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor 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 offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot, a congenital condition affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 births, is characterized by a child's foot turning inward and downward. It is primarily caused by a shortened Achilles tendon, resulting in misaligned bones in the foot. While about half of the affected children have bilateral clubfoot where both feet are impacted, prompt treatment is essential to avoid lifelong disability and walking difficulties. The leading cause of clubfoot is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A family history of the condition increases the risk of clubfoot, but it can also occur without any prior family instances. Additionally, certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, smoking, and drinking during pregnancy, can contribute to its development. Most cases of clubfoot can be successfully treated without surgery using the Ponseti method, involving progressive casting and bracing. However, severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention, which is considered a last resort. If your infant was born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist immediately for early intervention and individualized treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

People who enjoy jogging know the importance of stretching their feet before and after embarking on a run. This can help the overall health of the feet as the aging process occurs, in addition to increased physical activity. Having strong feet may prevent unwanted foot conditions like bunions, arthritis, and general foot pain. Certain foot stretches can help maintain balance, stability, and flexibility. These can consist of toe and calf stretches and exercises that help the plantar fascia. Perform the ankle alphabet by sitting on a chair while lifting one foot off the ground. As the ankle is moved in different directions, letters can be drawn in the air. This is effective in improving mobility in the foot and can be repeated on each foot several times. Balance can be enhanced while standing on one leg with the knee slightly bent. After this pose is held for 30 seconds, it can be done on the other foot and repeated several times. If you would like to learn about how to stretch your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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