Tag: foot care

Categories
blog Heel Pain

Don’t Want Surgery for Your Heel Pain? Try EPAT!

You’ve been diligent. You’ve done the stretches, worn the supportive shoes, and tried the inserts. Still, that chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis or the persistent ache of Achilles tendonitis dictates your daily life! It’s a frustrating position that often leads patients to wonder:

“Is surgery my only option left?”

At New England Podiatry Associates, we believe in exhausting non-invasive options first. And for many patients, the answer is a powerful, proven technology: EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), also known as shockwave therapy. Keep reading to learn how it works and why it might be right for you.

When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough

Chronic soft tissue injuries often get “stuck” in a cycle of inflammation and degeneration.

  • The body’s natural healing process has stalled, which is why standard treatments may no longer provide relief.
  • This is the critical juncture where a more advanced intervention is needed to prevent a trip to the operating room.

EPAT Shockwave Therapy: The Non-Surgical Intervention

Before considering a surgical procedure with its associated risks, anesthesia, and lengthy recovery, many patients explore EPAT.

Think of it as a way to “wake up” the healing process!

  • The energy from EPAT stimulates blood flow, accelerates cell regeneration, and breaks down restrictive scar tissue, all without a single incision.
  • It directly addresses the stalled healing that is causing your chronic pain.

A Direct Comparison: EPAT vs. Surgery

When the two are compared, EPAT’s advantages are obvious.

Whereas surgery features…
  • Incisions, anesthesia, and cutting of tissue
  • Weeks or months of recovery, often non-weight bearing
  • Potential infection, nerve damage, and scarring
  • Treatment in a hospital or surgical center
EPAT is…
  • Completely non-invasive, with no needles or cutting
  • A “walk-in, walk-out” treatment with no downtime
  • Free of any major risks, save for temporary, minor soreness
  • A quick, entirely in-office procedure
Who’s the Ideal Candidate for EPAT?  

EPAT is a powerful option for patients who:

  • Have been struggling with chronicplantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
  • Have found that conservative treatments are no longer effective.
  • Are looking for a proven, safe, and effective way to avoid surgery.

This is especially true for active individuals and athletes who can’t afford the long recovery time associated with a surgical procedure. With success rates over 80%, EPAT is a game-changing alternative.

Chronic Pain, Meet Long-Lasting Relief

Living with chronic foot pain does not automatically mean you need surgery. EPAT shockwave therapy stands as a formidable, non-invasive solution that can stimulate true healing and help you avoid more serious procedures. If you feel like you’re out of options, it’s time to ask if you’re a candidate for EPAT!

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
blog Heel Pain

Say No to Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs

Americans take an average of 5,000 steps per day. As we grow older, those steps turn into miles, and those miles can easily lead to a lot of wear and tear if we’re not careful. Around 10% of the population will develop a heel spur at some point in their life, making it one of the most common foot conditions you can have. If you’re a runner or stand on your feet for long hours every day, you’re at a higher risk of getting it. But luckily, there are some ways you can prevent this from happening, no matter how active you are. Let’s take a look…

What Is a Heel Spur?

To better prevent heel spurs, it’s important to understand what they are and why they develop in the first place. A heel spur is an extra calcium deposit that lies on the base of your heel bone. Bony growths develop and you’ll likely experience pain, inflammation, and swelling. However, it is possible to not experience any pain at all.

Heel spurs don’t show up in those with a gentle workout routine. It’s a wear and tear condition, occurring when excess stress and strain on your heels build up over time. Runners, professional athletes, and those who stand or walk on their feet all day are commonly the ones affected.

Preventing Heel Spurs

If you want to steer clear of any pain and discomfort that heel spurs can bring, you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways you can keep your feet healthy and safe. Here are some of our top tips for avoiding a heel spur:

  • Buying the right size shoe
  • Wearing shoes with arch support
  • Picking dirt or grass walking trails
  • Avoiding exercise classes on cement or hardwood floors
  • Invest in custom orthotics
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

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.

Categories
blog Foot Health

Give Thanks to Your Feet

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! What are you thankful for this year? We hope you’re grateful for healthy feet. Our feet endure a lot every day, but often go unnoticed. People take their health and their feet for granted until a condition or injury shows up. This year we hope you take some extra time to show your feet some love. The best way you can do so is to incorporate good foot care habits into your daily routine. Here are some of our top tips!

Avoid Walking Barefoot

Stepping on a rock or pebble can be painful! But for people with diabetes, it can be especially dangerous, since nerve damage creates numbness and it’s easy for cuts to feel painless. Protect your feet from injury and infection by wearing socks and shoes as often as possible. Comfy sneakers are great for every day. Slippers can provide the comfort and warmth you may be missing as the cold weather keeps coming!

Exercise Daily

If you dread hearing those words, you’re not alone. Finding the motivation and drive to work out can be difficult, but moving your body is so helpful. Walking, swimming, or biking is a great alternative for those who prefer to keep their exercises gentle. But whatever activity you choose, stick with it! Keeping your weight under control can get rid of unnecessary stress on your feet.

Never Ignore Pain

Foot pain is a big red flag. If you’re experiencing discomfort throughout the day or during your workout, it’s time to call a podiatrist! Ignoring the pain and pushing through or attempting any at-home treatments can further injure your feet. Alternatively, if you’re not experiencing any pain, but have other strange symptoms, ease your worries and see a 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.

Categories
blog Diabetic Foot Care Foot Health

Being Wise About Blood Sugar

It may be easy to forget, but when was the last time you checked your blood sugar levels? If you had a recent doctor’s visit with bloodwork, you have the latest numbers. If it has been a while since your last visit to a health professional, it may be time. Some people may be walking around with prediabetes. The New England Podiatry Associates hope to use American Diabetes Month to encourage your next checkup. With prediabetes, there’s a way to turn things around. It starts with a lifestyle change, including your diet and exercise.

Here are three ways you can start today:

Schedule an appointment

If you haven’t been to the doctor lately, let today be a gentle reminder to make an appointment. If you don’t know your levels, you could be walking around with high or low blood sugar levels. If you have a family member with diabetes, your risk increases. What else is a risk factor? Being overweight. Together, let’s assess your health history and create a prevention plan. We are also the experts in diabetic foot care.

Stop sitting — and smoking

Are you sitting more than you’d like? Get up and start moving. A healthy, active lifestyle is one way to reduce your risk of diabetes. If you’re smoking, now is the time to stop. This behavior is also a lifestyle change that increases your risk. We’re happy to connect you with the supportive resources to help you put the cigarettes down. When it’s time to get moving again with an exercise plan, we’ll make sure that your feet are ready.

Stick to the plan

If you learn that you are prediabetic, here’s what it means: Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. They’re not at the level of a diabetes diagnosis, but they are close. Listen to the advice of your doctor to take control of your health. According to the American Diabetes Association, prediabetes doesn’t guarantee that you will have diabetes. However, it should be a warning that you are heading in the wrong direction. Use this sign as a motivator to make a change. Create a health plan — and stick to it. We’re here to help.

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.

Categories
blog Nutrition

The Right Foods for Your Bones

Dairy based food and drink products

When was the last time you took a closer look at your plate? Do you have protein, vegetables, sources of calcium, and more? The New England Podiatry Associates know a healthy body means healthy, strong bones. The result: A lower risk of weak ankles and fractures. For older patients, strong bones also reduce the risk of falls. Here are three ways to boost your calcium and vitamin D levels:

Fun in the sun

Daylight Saving Time has begun, which means more fun in the sun (with sunblock and hydration, of course). Healthy doses of the sun are a great source of vitamin D. We encourage patients to protect their skin and reapply sunblock as needed.

Delicious dairy

Dairy products are among the most common options for additional calcium. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream are delicious options that are great for all ages. Involve the whole family while bringing in more calcium to your diet. Fun treats are another way to sweeten the invitation.

Valuable vegan options

Dairy isn’t the only way to get calcium. For our vegan patients, we recommend green, leafy vegetables. Broccoli and cabbage are examples. Beans, peas, and lentils are also nutrient-rich foods with a variety of benefits. Don’t forget about soybeans, seaweed, and more. Consult your doctor or nutritionist about the best ways to improve your diet.

This National Nutrition Month, keep your eye on your calcium and vitamin D intake. Have fun in the sun and pack your plate with the right foods. 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.