Tag: Daily Foot Check

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blog Foot Care

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 Health Men's Health

Celebrating Men’s Health Month

feet

As we celebrate Men’s Health Month this June, we are also spreading awareness about the importance of understanding prevalent health issues in men and how they can be identified and treated in a timely manner. Most men ignore their symptoms and end up with severe foot health problems, whereas early detection and diagnosis can save them from pain and misery.

Here are a few important things that you should know:

  • Foot hygiene is key to taking care of your feet. Washing, drying, regularly moisturizing them can prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Changing your shoes daily also prevents the accumulation of sweat and bacteria inside your shoes. Wearing clean socks made of breathable fabric is also good for your feet’s hygiene.
  • Custom orthotics – are not used for severe or critical foot health issues only. You can wear them daily to improve your gait, provide support and stability to your feet and relieve excessive stress from pressure points. Consult with your podiatrist to see if you require customized orthotic devices.
  • Foot pain is a warning sign – do not ignore it. If you are suffering from persistent foot or heel pain, it could be a symptom of plantar fasciitis, bone or joint deformity, flat feet, or other issues. You should visit your podiatrist to understand your underlying condition and how it can be adequately treated.
  • Examine your feet regularly to see if there are any changes in the color or texture of your skin, toenails, and overall feet. Ingrown toenails can cause tenderness and swelling around the nail bed. Flaky or dry skin can lead to cuts and wounds if left untreated. Fungal infections can be detected by discoloration of the skin or nails and odor. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a visit with your foot doctor without delay.
  • You should visit your podiatrist even if you feel you do not have any foot health issues. Regular checkups can help detect issues like arthritis, diabetes, nerve damage, and more.

Contact a podiatrist for the best advice if you have any questions or concerns about your lower legs, ankles, and feet.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax 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.

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blog Foot Health

Adding Awareness To Your Schedule

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month. Although the month is coming to a close, foot health should be a year-round priority. We understand how easy it can be to relax foot inspections or delay podiatry appointments. We are here to encourage you and help you grow in your awareness. 

The doctors at New England Podiatry Associates know that practice makes perfect (well, almost). Regularly performing foot inspections will help you create a healthy habit. If you skip a day of checking out your feet and ankles, it will feel like you forgot to do something. That’s how comfortable we want you to be with foot check-ins.

Here are three steps to add awareness to your schedule:

1-Think differently about your feet

It takes a perspective change before people can see the importance of daily foot inspections. For some reason, we can forget that podiatric health is a big part of our overall health. From detecting heart disease to diabetes, many symptoms first appear when we look down. We hope you will see the value in checking in regularly. 

2-Take it one day at a time 

Are you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of adding one more thing to your schedule? We understand. There are already so many things that we try to squeeze into a day. Our best word of encouragement is to take it one day at a time, but don’t quit. These inspections can be limb-saving and even life-saving. 

3-Talk with your podiatrist

Guess what? We are here to help. If you are wondering how to start your foot inspection, we have you covered. We can help you move past the most challenging part: determining what you should look for while searching. We’ll talk to you about the importance of sharing anything new that you experience or see, including new pain or new wounds. 

This National Foot Health Awareness Month, take control by trying one new healthy habit. Caring for your feet is one of the best decisions you can make about your health. How else can you show your gratitude for all your feet accomplish throughout the day? We hope you will think differently about your feet, take it one day at a time, and talk with a podiatrist. 

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax 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.

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blog Foot Health Heart Health

American Heart Month: Daily Foot Inspections

February is American Heart Month. Are you still skipping those daily foot inspections? Well, you could be missing out on a heart check, too. We can look to our feet for early signs of heart disease. These signs are often found in our feet, from circulation to high blood pressure. This post will revisit what it takes to do a thorough foot inspection. We’ll highlight areas of concern that could point to a heart problem.

Who

Let’s just jump into the conversation. Who should check their feet daily? Everyone. That’s right. While everyone benefits from a frequent foot check, people with certain conditions are at risk of complications if they’re skipping days. As parents, we’re also encouraged to inspect our little one’s feet and model the behavior for our older children. 

What

When doing a foot inspection, this is just a close examination of your feet and ankles. During this time, you are checking your skin, toenails, etc. Every part matter and we encourage you to take note of unusual smells, sights, and even feelings. An inspection should be part of your daily foot hygiene.

When 

Check out your feet and ankles every day. For convenience, we recommend creating a schedule to allow for a check at the same time each day. Set the alarm or include a foot check as part of your post-shower routine. Perhaps consider it as an end-of-day step after you have removed your shoes.

Where 

Choose a well-lit area for your inspection. Allow for comfort and plenty of space to stretch. We recommend somewhere easily accessible and clear of clutter. 

Why

Early prevention is key. With poor circulation, our feet and ankles can show the following symptoms:

  • Hair loss
  • Cold to the touch
  • Non-healing wounds
For high blood pressure or hypertension, look for swelling.

Unfortunately, many people are walking around with an undiagnosed condition. Catching symptoms, and changes to your feet and ankles early could prompt the necessary visit to a medical professional. Knowing the status of your health is powerful. The doctors at New England Podiatry Associates want to support you in finding this knowledge.

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blog Foot Health

Monitoring Matters

Make Doctor Appointment

We always talk about the importance of regular foot checks. Well, times like these put those healthy habits to the test. While many people have rescheduled annual appointments and only opted for emergency visits, it’s still important to do regular foot checks. This monitoring makes the difference when you come back for a regularly scheduled appointment. The doctors at New England Podiatry Associates want to share the benefits of making, and keeping those appointments:

Ring the alarm

As your podiatrist team, we’re here for you. This means we want to address any problems as quickly as possible. We are in the best position to do so when we learn early of any problems or challenges our patients may be facing. Checking your feet regularly allows you to keep us updated on any changes or concerns you may have about your feet or ankles. With many conditions, the treatment can be fast and simple. Other conditions you may need additional time, attention, and treatments.

Highlight healthy habits

Why not begin a healthy habit? Doing regular foot checks is an effective way to get into a rhythm of living a healthy lifestyle from your head to your toes. For parents, this is also another method of modeling foot hygiene for your children. From washing and drying your feet regularly, to how to properly trim toenails. Keep up the good work.

Know the difference

One of the best benefits of daily foot monitoring results in knowing when to call your podiatrist. It will enable you to better understand when to ring the alarm. Self-awareness of changes to your feet also helps you to have a more confident conversation with your podiatrist. Remember, you know your body, and that helps medical providers, including your foot doctor, have a conversation with you about any concerns you may have. 

Have you heard the news? Our Newton-Wellesley office location has reopened with limited hours. Our Chestnut Hill office location remains open during regular business hours. Please contact us to make an appointment. During the interim, keep up the great work of daily foot checks. Call us at 617-232-1752. If you think you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, we kindly request that you reschedule your podiatry appointment, and contact your primary care physician.