Our Quincy, MA Foot Doctor is a pain specialist that can help you find relief from foot or ankle pain

HEEL PAIN – PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL SPURS

Stop Heel Pain from Interfering with your Daily Life!

Do you find yourself struggling daily with a persistent pain located in your heel? Don’t let this condition run your life any longer! Marshall L. Lukoff, DPMspecializes in serving the greater Boston area. He will accurately diagnose your condition and determine the best possible treatment plan to address your foot and ankle pain.

 

 

WHAT CAUSES HEEL PAIN?

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis.  The ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot is called the plantar fascia. If it is strained inflammation occurs in that part of the foot and this condition results.

The main symptoms of plantar fasciitis involve pain and stiffness in that part of the foot, especially right after getting out of bed after a night of sleep. Patients also tend to experience pain and stiffness throughout the day, particularly if their routine involves sitting for long periods of time. If you are experiencing this type of discomfort, contact Dr. Lukoff today. Along with the experienced staff at Foot Care Specialists, PC, he will carefully evaluate the structure of your foot and the irritated area to determine if plantar fasciitis is the culprit.

This condition can affect everyone, but especially those who find themselves on their feet for long periods during the day. Other common risk factors include:

  • HIGH ARCHES
  • FLAT FEET
  • EXCESS WEIGHT
  • ILL-FITTING FOOTWEAR

HOW NON-INVASIVE SHOCKWAVE CAN CLEAR HEEL PAIN

Heel pain is very treatable. At Foot Care Specialists, PC, treatment of plantar fasciitis can be completed with three 20-minute sessions of shockwave therapy. The procedure takes place in the office and is non-invasive. This type of treatment involves sending shock waves through the foot in order to jumpstart blood flow.  The result is diminished pain and a faster road to recovery.

 

ORTHOTICS MAKE WALKING COMFORTABLE BY DECREASING ABNORMAL HEEL PAIN PRESSURE

At Foot Care Specialists, PC we use computerized gait analysis to measure the pressures on the feet while patient is walking and design custom made orthotics. Our orthotics are unconditionally guaranteed to fit in your shoes and make walking comfortable.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME TO RELIEVE HEEL PAIN

If you are encountering heel pain, there are certain things you can do at home to help the cause:

  • Reduce the amount of activity on your feet – rest is a great tool for diminishing heel pain.
  • Try to avoid walking on hard surfaces.
  • If you experience swelling, try using ice for relief.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, for a temporary pain fix.
  • Invest in a new pair of quality shoes that provide the right support for the structure of your foot.
  • Stretch your feet and toes regularly, especially after rising in the morning.

Only a doctor can provide you with a definite diagnosis and correct treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with heel pain, don’t hesitate. Contact us today for help. Dr. Marshall L. Lukoff and the rest of the team at Foot Care Specialists, PC, are experts in the field of foot health. They are dedicated to treating your feet and determined to solve your foot pain problem. Don’t let heel pain interrupt your daily routine. Find relief today!

 

 

BALL OF FOOT PAIN

The structure of the human foot is delicately but creatively designed to enable movement and withstand incredible amounts of pressure. In each foot there are 42 muscles and a great number of ligaments that work in conjunction to control 26 bones. The ball of the foot is one area in particular that is susceptible to injury, as it acts as a major point of contact for absorbing and distributing weight when we stand, walk, or run. Improper function or a faulty foot structure can lead to ball of foot pain. There are numerous injuries and conditions that fall under this general term, but with the help of Dr. Marshall L. Lukoff, DPM, we can provide the diagnosis, treatment, and future foot care you need to stay active and pain free.

A LOOK INSIDE

The ball of your foot is also called the metatarsal region. When you look down at the top of your foot, you may see or feel five long bones coming down to the center of your foot. These are the metatarsal bones that connect your toes to the rest of your foot. They help to distribute your weight evenly, keep you balanced, and provide acceleration when you move. The impact on this area can be intense and without sufficient rest, or with a faulty foot structure, the metatarsal area can become very overworked and cause pain. When this happens, we refer to ball of foot pain as “metatarsalgia.”

MORE THAN A SINGLE INJURY

Metatarsalgia is not one particular injury, but rather a term that encompasses a variety of symptoms that develop in the ball of the foot. This could include sharp pain, chronic pain, burning, numbness, aching, bruising, and inflammation. You can experience these symptoms suddenly, which is common among athletes who quickly increase the frequency or intensity of their activity. Discomfort can also progress over time as the ball of the foot is under excess pressure. This pressure can come from several different factors. In addition to heavy training or being involved in sports with a lot of running and jumping, you can also be at risk if you have a certain foot shape such as a high arch. The arch is the main shock absorber in the foot, so when it does not function as it should, other parts of the foot have to compensate.

Foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can add extra stress on the metatarsals, as can poorly fitting shoes. High heels are common culprits, as they force all of the body weight onto the ball of the foot. Wearing shoes with narrow toe boxes or even athletic shoes without the proper support or cushioning can lead to metatarsalgia. Finally, being overweight, having a stress fracture in your foot, and Morton’s neuroma are also contributing factors.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

The good news is that there are several conservative treatment options we can provide to ease your discomfort and prevent this from occurring in the future. Our first step after diagnosing this type of foot pain is to determine what contributed to your condition. Based on your symptoms we may use a combination of rest, icing, changing your footwear, strength and flexibility exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, metatarsal pads, and custom orthotics. Most cases are aided by these methods, but there are times when we may have to also address other factors that may be complicating the problem such as hammertoes, where surgery may be necessary for full relief of pain.

It is always good to be proactive when it comes to your foot health, especially if you are physically active. Wear appropriate footwear and pay attention to signs that your feet are under too much stress. If you have nagging ball of foot pain, Foot Care Specialists, PC can help. Contact Dr. Marshall L. Lukofftoday at Crown Colony Medical Center—we have a convenient location in Quincy, MA to serve you

FOOT FRACTURES   

A broken bone is also known as a fracture.  There is a common misconception that a broken bone is worse than a fracture.  In reality they are the same. There are many different types of fractures or breaks.

A bone can be broken and the fragments can be out of position.  We call this a displaced fracture.   Conversely, if they are in good alignment it’s called a non-displaced fracture. If a bone is broken and you can barely see it on an x-ray, it is a hairline fracture. Finally, if a bone is broken and one of the fragments has punctured the skin, we call this an open or compound fracture. Since open fractures can easily become infected immediate surgical management is required.

Broken bones are usually splinted initially to prevent bone movement and further damage to the soft tissues that surround them.  If the fracture is displaced it may need to be set.  In certain fractures, setting them can be difficult. In these types of fractures, surgery is also indicated. This will provide the best opportunity for healing.

Even though all of this sounds very scary, most fractures can be managed in a cast without going to the OR. Even simple fractures of the toes respond very well to this treatment.  And yes, we do put casts on toes. Not the plaster or fiberglass most people think of.  Instead, we use a mesh tape which holds the toe in place.

If you, or someone you know has sustained an injury to the foot or ankle please schedule an appointment, Foot Care Specialists, PC will make every attempt to see you ASAP.

SESAMOIDITIS

Most of your bones are connected to other bones by joints. However, sesamoid bones are not connected to other bones, but rather are connected to your tendons and imbedded in your muscles. There are two sesamoid bones found in the bottom of your feet by your big toe. When these bones become inflamed and irritated, it is a painful condition known as sesamoiditis. Since these bones are responsible for muscle force transfers and bearing weight, they can easily be injured and even sometimes fracture.

LOOKING FOR SIGNS

There are three main signs that you have sesamoiditis. First, when you bend or straighten your big toe, you experience an immense amount of pain. Secondly, the pain is centered on the ball of your foot close to your big toe. This pain either happens immediately from a sudden injury, or over time through repetitive motions. Lastly, there is typically swelling and bruising in the area.  If you are having trouble getting a good view of it, you can use a hand held mirror or ask a loved one to take a look.

THOSE AT RISK

While anybody can get sesamoiditis, there are some athletes who are more prone to developing the condition. Ballet dancers, runners, and baseball catchers are at a higher risk because of the movements that their sports demand. A lot of pressure is put on the sesamoid bones which causes them to become aggravated and painful.

TREATMENT FOR TOES & FEET

Fortunately the treatments for sesamoiditis tend to be noninvasive. This means that with a little TLC and some medicine you are able to heal from the condition and avoid surgery. Of course in some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. However, here are the most common methods of treatment:

First and foremost you have to stop the activity that caused the condition. You have to take a break and give your foot time to heal. When you do walk around, comfort is essential, so you should wear low-heeled, soft-soled shoes. Inserting some cushioning pads can help provide extra support and alleviate the pressure on your sesamoids. Once the pain starts to go away, you can slowly start doing your old activities again, but you should continue to wear the cushioning pads to provide extra support. Taping your toe so that it is actually bent slightly downward helps with the pain, and anti-inflammatory medicine or steroid injections can help with the swelling during recovery. If the pain does not go away after using the above methods, a removable short leg fracture brace can be worn for 4 to 6 weeks to aid in the healing process.

If you have pain in your big toe and the balls of your feet, you could be suffering from sesamoiditis. Visit Foot Care Specialists, PC to get the help you need. You can schedule an appointment with Marshall L. Lukoff, DPM. by calling (617) 479-7921, or stop by one of our Crown Colony Medical Center in Quincy, MA today.