Tag: Arthritis

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Podiatry Appointment

5 Ways to Prep for Your Podiatrist Appointment

Foot pain and ankle issues have a way of creeping into everyday life, making it harder to walk, exercise, or even stand comfortably. Whether you’re scheduling your first visit with a podiatrist or returning for ongoing care, knowing how to prepare can help you feel more confident and ensure your appointment is as productive as possible.

From providing the right medical information to bringing the shoes you wear every day, a little preparation can go a long way in improving your foot health. Below, New England Podiatry Associates has provided five simple and effective ways to prepare for your podiatrist appointment.

1. Document Your Symptoms Ahead of Time

Before your appointment, spend a few minutes writing down what you’ve been experiencing. Foot and ankle symptoms can be easy to forget once you’re in the exam room.

Be sure to note:

  • When your symptoms started
  • The type of pain or discomfort you feel
  • Activities that worsen or relieve symptoms
  • Any swelling, numbness, or changes in skin or nails

This information helps your podiatrist quickly identify patterns and narrow down potential diagnoses.

2. Gather Medical History and Medication Information

Your overall health directly impacts your foot care. Bring a list of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements, as well as any medical conditions that may affect circulation or healing.

Helpful items to have include:

Providing this information allows your podiatrist to create a safe and personalized treatment plan.

3. Bring the Shoes You Wear Most Often

Footwear plays a major role in many podiatric conditions. Wearing or bringing your everyday shoes can give your podiatrist valuable insight into your foot mechanics and support needs.

Your podiatrist may examine:

  • Wear patterns on the soles
  • Overall fit and arch support
  • Whether your shoes contribute to foot pain or alignment issues

This step is especially important for patients dealing with heel pain, bunions, or athletic injuries.

4. Skip Foot Grooming Before Your Visit

While it may feel counterintuitive, avoid trimming your toenails or treating calluses before your appointment. Natural nail and skin conditions provide important diagnostic clues.

Leaving your feet untreated helps your podiatrist accurately assess:

5. Prepare Questions and Be Open to Treatment Options

A podiatrist appointment is a great opportunity to learn how to improve and protect your foot health long-term. Come prepared with questions and be ready to discuss treatment recommendations.

Common topics include:

  • At-home care and prevention tips
  • Orthotics or shoe recommendations
  • Physical therapy or lifestyle changes

Preparing for your podiatrist appointment helps ensure you receive accurate care and clear guidance for managing foot and ankle issues. By organizing your information, footwear, and questions in advance, you can make your visit more efficient and play an active role in your foot health.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of  New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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blog Falls Prevention Awareness

Build Better Balance for Falls Awareness Month!

Balance is a skill, and like any skill, it can be maintained and even improved with the right approach. September’s Falls Prevention Awareness Month isn’t over yet, so New England Podiatry is here with a blog to keep you steady. This guide will walk you through how to assess your stability at home, then explain the signs that you should seek treatment from your podiatrist.

The 5-Second One-Leg Test:

To get started with your at-home efforts, try this quick and effective method to get a snapshot of your current balance:

  1. Stand near a sturdy chair or countertop you can hold onto if needed.
  2. Lift one foot a few inches off the floor.
  3. Try to hold this position for at least 5 seconds without wobbling, putting your foot down, or grabbing for support.

If you found this challenging, it’s time to start working on your stability!

Simple Stretches to Improve Your Foundation

Feeling a little unsteady on your feet is something many people dismiss as a normal part of aging, but in reality, falling is not normal, and you can prevent it!

Before issues become severe, you can work on your balance at home with these simple, safe exercises:

  • Ankle Rotations: While seated, lift one foot and slowly rotate your ankle 10 times clockwise, then 10 times counterclockwise.
  • This helps maintain crucial joint mobility.
  • Calf Stretches: Stand facing a wall with your hands on it for support.
    • Step one foot back, keeping that leg straight and the heel on the floor.
    •  Gently lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf.
    •  Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Flexible calves reduce strain on your entire foot structure.
  • Heel-to-Toe Walking: In a clear hallway, walk in a straight line by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other, as if on a tightrope.
    • This simple drill enhances your coordination and stability.

Gait Analysis: A Window into Your Walk

If you’ve been practicing these exercises but still feel unsteady, the problem may not be a lack of strength, but an issue with your biomechanics.

That means you need a fall risk assessment, which includes gait analysis. We’ll use our expertise to identify subtle abnormalities in your foot mechanics that could be compromising your balance, looking for issues like:

  • Overpronation: Where your foot rolls too far inward.
  • Ankle Instability: Weakness from old injuries or arthritis.
  • Pain Compensation: An unnatural walking pattern you’ve developed to avoid pain from a bunion or other condition.

Custom Orthotics: The Stability Solution

Once we identify the root cause of your instability, the most effective solution is often a pair of custom orthotics.

  • Unlike a store-bought insole, an orthotic is a prescription medical device created from a 3D scan of your feet.
  • By correcting your specific alignment and providing targeted support, orthotics create a stable, solid foundation that can dramatically improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling.

You don’t have to just “live with” the fear of falling. Falling isn’t normal, but it is preventable! And our team would be delighted to help.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of  New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Categories
Ankle Conditions blog

5 Common Ankle Problems Podiatrists Treat

Everyone knows the terrible feeling of rolling your ankle, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what can happen to it. From sudden twists to overuse injuries, ankle problems are some of the most common we see at New England Podiatry Associates.

Today, we’ll explore 5 types of ankle afflictions, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

1. Ankle Sprains

According to a 2019 PubMed study, about 2 million people each year sprain their ankle. This is not a surprise to us, as ankle sprains are injuries we commonly see. Not only are they ubiquitous in sports, but what’s so tricky about them is that they can occur during everyday activity. The ankle is fragile, and any sudden twists or turns can leave you on the ground writhing in pain.

2. Achilles Tendonitis

Here’s a shocking stat: nearly 1 in 5 athletes will sustain an Achilles tendonitis injury in their lifetimes. That’s because the Achilles tendon is susceptible to vigorous movement and repetitive strain from activities like running, jumping, or cutting.

3. Ankle Fractures

Often mistaken for ankle sprains, ankle fractures involve a break in one or more bones in the ankle joint, typically caused by falls, forceful impacts, or twisting injuries. The symptoms are classic: severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to stand on the ankle. But the good news is that, depending on the severity, you may not require surgery.

4. Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis of the ankle is fairly rare, affecting only about 1 to 12% of people. But that doesn’t mean arthritis of the foot is as hard to find. Generally, degenerative joints in the lower extremities can cause pain across the foot complex.

5. Chronic Ankle Instability

This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains, which leads to persistent instability or a feeling of the ankle “giving way.” It can cause pain, recurrent sprains, and falls. However, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery to repair damaged ligaments are all valid treatment options.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

Categories
blog Foot Care

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.

Categories
Arthritis blog

All About Arthritis

What do you know about arthritis? Unfortunately, most people don’t know enough about this condition until they are diagnosed. Patients who have arthritis in their feet or ankles experience significant joint pain and swelling, which often leads to pain. This can make daily activities harder to accomplish and diminish the quality of your life. What do you need to know about living with arthritis? Keep reading to find out.

Myth Busting

There are many forms and causes, but it is a myth that only seniors have this condition. Juvenile arthritis is another form you should be aware of. Unfortunately, children can experience pain and stiffness in their joints. If you have noticed new changes to your ankles and feet, make an appointment with your podiatrist. It’s best to get a diagnosis.

Should I Skip My Workout?

No, physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve joint pain. We recommend consulting with your doctor to hear their recommendation for an exercise plan. Gentle movements are best; we remind patients to take on new activities one day at a time. It’s even okay to break up your activity throughout the day.

How Can I Treat My Condition?

For light cases, you can treat the pain caused by arthritis through rest, elevation, and immobilization to halt pain and allow damage to heal. In more serious cases, arthritis can cause severe deformities, which may require surgery. Here are the most common treatments:

  • Physical therapy and exercise to increase strength and function
  • Anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections prescribed by your doctor
  • Massages
  • Foot soaks and ice application
  • Orthotics or prescribed footwear

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.