Items filtered by date: March 2024

Exercise is an important way to reduce the risk of falling, particularly by focusing on activities that improve muscle strength, balance, posture, and stamina. Muscles naturally weaken and balance deteriorates without consistent exercise. By incorporating simple exercises into your daily routine, you can significantly increase stability and help prevent falls. Be sure to have a chair or counter nearby for safety reasons. Try standing on tiptoes, gradually transitioning to heel lifts and toe raises to improve ankle strength and balance. Side leg raises, performed by lifting one leg to the side while keeping toes forward, are excellent for strengthening hip abductors and improving lateral stability. Additionally, practicing walking in a straight line, progressing by placing one foot directly in front of the other to walking heel to toe along a counter. This can enhance overall balance and coordination. Sometimes, underlying foot or ankle issues contribute to instability. If balance issues have become a problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to address them.

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 podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ainhum is a rare condition characterized by the spontaneous development of a constricting band around the base of the fifth toe. This can lead to progressive constriction, tissue loss, and eventual auto-amputation if left untreated. Podiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing and managing ainhum. They can provide early intervention by carefully monitoring the condition and relieving pressure on the affected toe. These foot doctors can offer treatments, such as surgical release of the constricting band or orthotic devices to alleviate discomfort and prevent further tissue damage. Podiatrists also can educate patients about proper foot care techniques and regular monitoring to detect any changes in the condition early on. If you notice a ring around one of your toes with a squeezing sensation, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a timely diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Experiencing pain on the outer edges of your feet? Lateral foot pain can make walking, running, or even standing uncomfortable. A common cause of lateral foot pain is stress fractures, especially in runners and other athletes. These hairline cracks in foot bones are caused by overuse or repetitive movements and can result in pain if pressure is applied to the foot. Cuboid syndrome, involving injury or dislocation of the cuboid bone along the outer edge of the foot, leads to sharp pain and tenderness, often worsened by overuse or tight shoes. Peroneal tendonitis, which is inflammation of tendons that run along the outer ankle, occurs from overuse or injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and warmth. A twisted ankle, or inversion sprain, results in ligament damage and subsequent pain, swelling, and tenderness, often triggered by sports or physical activities. Seeking prompt attention from a podiatrist is suggested for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for lateral foot pain. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can be caused by bursitis, which is a painful swelling of the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These bursae act as cushions, reducing friction between tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. When they become inflamed, the result is heel pain and limited mobility, particularly in areas like the back or bottom of the heel. Bursitis typically develops due to repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on a joint. Aging also can lead to the breakdown of the bursa over time. Symptoms often include dull pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected area. Swelling and redness may also be present, indicating inflammation. Diagnosing bursitis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist. After a physical examination of the affected area, further tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be necessary. If you are experiencing unexplained heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if you may be suffering from bursitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.