The feet are one of the areas of the body that are often neglected. Painful foot conditions may develop as a result of this, and may easily be avoided when everyday foot care methods are implemented. These can begin with maintaining a healthy weight, which can protect the feet from enduring extra pressure. After the feet are washed and dried daily, it is beneficial to apply a good moisturizer, which can help to keep the skin looking and feeling smooth. An extremely important foot care tip consists of wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is noted to be one of the best preventive measures that can help with mobility, in addition to maintaining maximum comfort. The feet are the foundation of the body, and stretching the feet is a good way to keep them strong. If you would like more information about effective foot care techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When runners go from 5K runs to longer distances, their feet often start to hurt more. This may be the result of wearing running shoes that are too small, do not fit properly, or don’t provide the proper cushioning or arch support. Here are a few tips from experts that can help to keep your feet healthier as your running goals change. It starts with the shoes. It may be wise to measure your feet again to get the correct shoe size before purchase. Your feet are likely to expand more during longer runs, so make sure to account for that. It is also important to pay attention to the insoles, which add arch support and help absorb shock with each step. If you have specific foot problems, custom orthotic insoles from a podiatrist may be needed. Increase the amount of exercises you do to strengthen the feet so they will be able to handle increased mileage. Finally, post-run foot care is essential. This may include icing the feet, keeping them elevated, and stretching them. For more information on how to keep your feet healthy while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people associate the foot condition that is known as flat feet with difficulty in running. Conversely, there are numerous professional sprinters and athletes who are flat-footed, and  this may provide a special ability that can help to absorb shock. When flat feet are strengthened, it may help an individual to run faster, in addition to possibly having more control on the surface. Research has shown there is a difference between running shoes that are designed for flat feet and shoes that have a high arch. Shoes that are made with an extra cushioned midsole area may be more beneficial for flat-footed runners to wear. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to strengthen the arch. If you have flat feet and are interested in running, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can teach you correct stretching techniques which may help you to improve your running practice.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain is possible to have when there is no obvious injury that has occurred. It may be the result of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, or from various types of arthritis. These can include gout, reactive arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some people can experience ankle pain from having flat feet and Achilles tendonitis, which may happen gradually from wear and tear of the Achilles tendon. Some people may have ankle pain from an existing infection, such as streptococcus, which can affect the ankle bone and surrounding joints. An examination is often performed to determine the cause of the ankle pain. This is done by having an ultrasound or CT scan, which are successful methods for viewing joint or bone damage. If you have ankle pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ledderhose disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis, is rare and impacts the bottom of the feet. This disease presents as a buildup of connective tissue in the feet, which forms into lumps or nodules on the fascia located on the sole of the foot. The fascia is a connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes, and when it thickens, it can form nodules, which may be painless at first and, over time, may cause discomfort and pain. The skin may tighten, there might be itching and stinging in the surrounding area, and pain in the foot and ankle joints can develop. The cause of this ailment is not known. However, some believe that it is caused by genetics or environmental factors. Risk factors include regular alcohol consumption, liver disease, and diabetes. It most often strikes those in middle or older age and is more common in men than women. Treatment of Ledderhose disease depends on its severity. It is suggested that if you develop such nodules in your feet, you contact a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and healing options that are right for you.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.