Category: Foot Care

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Your Feet Deserve More in 2024

We’ve stepped into a fresh New Year, 2024, and it’s brimming with possibilities. Yet while resolutions often focus on distant horizons, sometimes the greatest rewards lie closer to home – right beneath our feet, to be precise!

New England Podiatry emphasizes cutting-edge treatment technology, but we’re also committed to patient education. So, this year, let’s prioritize the often-overlooked heroes of our daily journeys: Our feet.

Here are some easy-to-implement resolutions for happy, healthy feet that will carry you confidently throughout 2024:

1. Deal with Cracked Heels: Dry, cracked heels are unsightly and painful. Combat them with regular moisturizing, and consider wearing open-back shoes at home to allow your skin to breathe.

2. Clip with Care: Proper nail care is paramount! Trim your nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges that can dig into neighboring toes. Invest in quality nail clippers and disinfect them regularly.

3. Ditch the Tight Fits: Say no to toe-pinching footwear. Instead, go for shoes that comfortably accommodate your foot shape and width. Adequate space is crucial for preventing bunions, corns, and hammertoes.

4. Move it or Lose it: Regular exercise is essential for your feet, too! Gentle stretching, walking, or even dancing can improve circulation, strengthen muscles, and prevent stiffness.

5. Make Prevention a Priority: Schedule regular podiatric checkups for comprehensive foot health assessments. Early detection and preventive care can nip potential problems in the bud before they turn into more significant concerns.

6. Embrace Sock Savvy: Choose socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or wool. Avoid tight socks that can restrict circulation and promote fungal growth.

7. Treat Your Feet to a Foot Massage: Self-massage or a professional session can ease tension, improve circulation, and leave your feet feeling fresh.

Wondering what you can do to maintain good foot and ankle health? The easiest way to find out is simple: come check in with our expert podiatrists!

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III  provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Our firm has proudly served the Boston area since 1984. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to find the best solution for each individual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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Help Your Feet Age Healthily

September is Healthy Aging Month! It is the perfect time to take a moment to look at the most common problems older people have with their feet and then go over some easy tips seniors can take to make sure their feet are the healthiest they can be. How can you help your feet? Let’s take a look.

Common Problems for Aging Feet

Older people can have many problems with their feet as they age. Here are the most common ones:

Senior Foot Care Tips

Your feet naturally age with the rest of your body, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with painful foot problems. Follow these tips to keep your feet in the best shape possible:

  • Wear proper footwear. Make sure your shoes are flexible, and they fit correctly.
  • Visit an experienced podiatrist.
  • Maintain good circulation. You can do this by getting regular exercise. Just walking daily for an hour is beneficial. You can also massage your feet to increase circulation. Avoiding sitting for long periods also helps. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
  • Keep your feet warm. Heavy socks can help keep the cold out.
  • Clean your feet daily. Make sure you use soap and water.
  • Use lotion. As we age, our skin can become drier. Applying lotion can prevent cracks that may occur with dry skin.
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Avoid walking barefoot.
  • Use a cane. Older people may have problems with balance, which can lead to a bad fall. A cane or walker can help.
  • Stretch before any strenuous activity. It can help your feet stay flexible.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort with your feet, contact your podiatrist ASAP!

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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Get Your Feet Summer-Ready

With summer just around the corner, you may be preparing for fun activities like beach trips, vacations, and pool parties. We’re sure the last thing you want is foot pain or an ankle injury to cut your plans short, so taking care of your feet beforehand is crucial. How can you ensure your feet are prepared for your summer plans?

Here are three things you can start doing today:

1. Wear The Right Shoes

Not wearing appropriate shoes is one of the biggest culprits of daily foot and ankle pain. Getting your feet measured properly at your shoe store and picking a pair that offers support, comfort, and enough room for your toes can make a world of difference. In addition, choosing the right shoes for each activity is your best bet. Work on your feet all day? Lightweight sneakers with arch support are your best bet. Going for a hike in the woods? Pick specific hiking boots with a thick sole and ankle support. Summer is usually when we’re tempted to go for sandals or flip-flops, but choosing a close-toed pair can save you from sun damage, ankle sprains, and potential cuts.

2. Check Your Feet

Giving your feet extra attention at the start or end of the day can make a significant impact – and it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your feet healthy. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly, making sure to get in between your toes. And always wear clean, dry socks.

3. Look Out for Issues

Catching any problems before they escalate helps prevent serious conditions and further damage. Taking a few minutes throughout your week to look at your feet and check for any blisters, cuts, swelling, bruising, redness, or other issues is important. Ignoring your pain or concerns may make a potential problem worse.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, and Dr. Joshua Ouellette treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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blog Foot Care

Treat Your Feet

Feet

Did you know April is National Foot Health Awareness Month? Our feet do so much for us, yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to daily self-care. A lot of physical stress is put on our feet daily, which is why it’s so important to take care of them. This April, we want to encourage our patients to treat their feet! Here’s our do and don’t guide to foot care.

Do: Elevate Your Feet

This trick you can use even if you aren’t dealing with a foot condition that causes swelling! As we move throughout the day, our feet and toes naturally swell. The best way to improve blood flow and reduce pressure in our feet is to elevate our legs. At the end of the day, lay down somewhere comfy, place pillows underneath your legs and feet, and relax for 10 to 15 minutes.

Don’t: Share Nail Tools

One of the easiest ways to get a fungal infection? Sharing our nail tools with others! Keep your nail clippers and files to yourself and never share. At your nail salon, ensure that they follow proper procedures for sanitizing their nail tools.

Do: Enjoy TLC

A nice, relaxing foot massage is the best gift for the end of a long day. Not only can it aid in making you feel at ease before bedtime, but it can significantly help relieve any foot pain you may have. Grab your scented lotion and begin massaging your feet, focusing on any sore spots. Look into some reflexology tips and tricks to get even more benefits. If you have any cuts or conditions like Athlete’s foot, talk to your podiatrist before massaging your feet.

Don’t: Fix It at Home

Podiatrists are feet and ankle experts. So when we find any strange cuts, bruises, or blisters on our feet or suspect an injury, it’s crucial to allow them to help with the treatment and healing process. Attempting to treat fungal infections or pick at blisters at home is more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, save yourself the worry and call your foot doctor.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.