Tag: Podiatry Appointment

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blog Shockwave Therapy

Foot Surgery Isn’t Your Only Option: A Guide to EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Foot getting shockwave therapy

You’ve been struggling with chronic foot or ankle pain for months. You’ve tried rest, stretching, and inserts, but the pain persists, and now your doctor is mentioning the possibility of surgery. It’s a daunting prospect.

But what if there was a way to stimulate healing and find lasting relief…without a single incision? This is the promise of EPAT® (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), also known as shockwave therapy. In this blog, New England Podiatry will look at three common scenarios where EPAT offers a better path forward.

The Busy Professional with Plantar Fasciitis

The Scenario: You’re a teacher, a nurse, or an office worker who is on your feet all day. Sharp heel pain from plantar fasciitis has become a constant, draining part of your life.

The Surgical Downside: A traditional plantar fascia release surgery can mean weeks of non-weight bearing on crutches, followed by a long, slow rehabilitation process.

  • For someone with a demanding job and a busy family life, this extensive downtime simply isn’t a realistic option.

The EPAT Alternative: Treatment consists of a few quick, 10-15-minute in-office sessions!

The Everyday Athlete with Achilles Tendonitis

The Scenario: You love your weekend runs or pickleball games, but a nagging, chronic pain in your Achilles tendon is keeping you on the sidelines.

The Surgical Downside: Surgery for chronic Achilles tendonitis is a major procedure.

  • It involves cutting the damaged tendon, has a significant risk of complications, and requires a very long recovery, often in a cast or boot for months, followed by extensive physical therapy. For an active person, this can be a devastating setback!

 The EPAT Alternative: Shockwave therapy directly addresses the stalled healing in the tendon without any incisions.

  • The high-energy sound waves increase blood flow and stimulate the regeneration of healthy tissue.
  • It’s a way to restart the healing process and get you back to your sport faster, without the risks and lengthy rehab associated with surgery.

The Active Senior with Arthritic Joint Pain

The Scenario: Arthritis in your ankle or big toe joint has made walking painful and is starting to limit your independence and the activities you enjoy.

The Surgical Downside: A joint fusion or replacement is a highly invasive surgery, which can be a particular concern for older patients.

  • The recovery is long and can be very challenging, impacting your ability to care for yourself and your home.

The EPAT Alternative: For many seniors, EPAT is an incredibly effective and safe way to manage the pain and inflammation from arthritis.

  • By stimulating the tissue and improving circulation, it can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • It provides a powerful option for maintaining your quality of life without the significant risks and long-term recovery of a major joint surgery.

Living with chronic foot and ankle pain does not automatically mean you need surgery. 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! 

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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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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.

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blog Diabetic Foot Care Foot Health

Raise Awareness During American Diabetes Month

Diabetes Awareness Month

We can’t close out the month without raising awareness during American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a condition that impacts many of our patients and can create complications for feet and ankles. The doctors at  New England Podiatry Associates also know the holidays can present challenges. We’re here to help you enjoy a delicious meal while staying on top of your health goals.

Enjoy a balanced meal

A diabetes diagnosis isn’t the end of enjoying delicious meals. It does, however, require a few adjustments to manage your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing a meal plan with less added sugars and less processed foods. You can keep fruits, vegetables, and lean meats or plant-based sources of protein on the menu.

Eat with confidence

Before you sit down for your meal, check your blood sugar. We recommend blood sugar checks throughout the day to leave time for any adjustments. From setting timers to having a family member remind you of scheduled checks, start the day off well, and eat your holiday meal with confidence.

Everything in moderation

If there’s a sweet treat you can safely eat, choose a small piece. Remember you can still enjoy leftovers the next day. Go to bed feeling satisfied with your meal and in the safe zone with your blood sugar level.

End the speculation

If you’ve been experiencing foot or ankle pain, now is the time to make an appointment. We want you to continue the holiday season without wondering about the cause of your pain. If you discover a new wound or notice a cut is slow to heal, make an appointment with us as soon as possible. We want to help you prevent infection.

We wish you and your family a safe and healthy time of celebration. We’re here to support your foot, and ankle needs this holiday season. Call us at 617-232-1752 to make an appointment. Our Chestnut Hill and Newton-Wellesley offices are open. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
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.