Tag: Arthritis Foot Pain

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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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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.

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Arthritis blog

Arthritis and Podiatrists

man holding foot with arthritis pain

Did you know May is Arthritis Awareness Month? Arthritis occurs when joints are swollen or tender, and the most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This condition can also impact children. If you have been diagnosed with one of the many forms, the New England Podiatry Associates are here to help. Podiatrists are often a part of the care team, particularly when joint pain occurs in a patient’s feet or ankles.

Here are three benefits of making an appointment with a podiatrist:

1. All eyes are on your feet and ankles

Podiatrists specialize in treating feet and ankles. You are in the best hands when you make an appointment. To understand more about the cause of your joint pain, a podiatrist will ask questions and perform an exam. They will then offer relief solutions, from physical therapy to the proper footwear for exercise.

2. All hands are on deck

Between your primary care physician, your podiatrists, and other specialists, it is helpful to know you have a team of specialists working to improve your quality of life. It takes teamwork, and podiatrists are here to help you win.

3. All appointments are valuable

From checking in to prescribing custom orthotics, you can always benefit from a visit to the podiatrist. Many people think corns, bunions, and fungal toenails are the only reasons to make an appointment. Podiatrists care about the overall health of your body, including ways a condition can affect your feet and ankles.

We’re here to help answer any questions — whether you have managed arthritis for years or recently been diagnosed. At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, and Dr. Catherine Jacobs treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. 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.