Items filtered by date: September 2023

Podiatrists, also known as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, are foot specialists who diagnose and treat issues related to the feet, ankles, and lower leg. Becoming a podiatrist involves rigorous training, which includes four years of education at a podiatric medical school. Aspiring podiatrists then gain practical experience through a three-year residency in hospitals and clinics. They also must pass exams to receive certification from the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Some podiatrists choose to specialize further by pursuing fellowship training to become specialists in their field. Podiatric surgeons, a subset of podiatrists, are required to earn certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, which enables them to perform foot surgeries. To practice legally, podiatrists must obtain and renew state licenses and stay updated with annual seminars to maintain their expertise. To find out more about joining this medical field, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Children's feet are essential for their overall health and development. However, various foot problems can affect children as they grow. Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition where the arches on the inside of the feet do not develop fully, making the entire sole touch the ground. While this is normal in infants, it should resolve as they age. Ingrown toenails can cause pain, redness, and swelling, often the result of improper nail trimming or tight shoes. Proper nail care and footwear are key to preventing this issue. Sever's disease, medically termed calcaneal apophysitis, is common in active children between the ages of 8 and 14. It affects the growth plate in the heel and causes heel pain, especially during physical activities. Deformities, such as clubfoot, curly toes or overlapping toes, can be present from birth or develop later. Early intervention can help correct these deformities. Parents may wish to regularly inspect their children's feet and seek the help of a podiatrist for any of these common foot problems. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heels. They are visible on X-rays, and can protrude up to half an inch. While heel spurs themselves are generally not painful, they often accompany conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, which also lead to heel discomfort. These spurs can be caused by overstretching the tissue connecting the heel and the ball of the foot or by the gradual wear and tear of the protective membrane covering the heel bone. To prevent heel spurs, it is important to wear well fitting shoes, maintain a healthy weight, and have a gait, or walking style check. Treatment options may include stretching exercises or taping to alleviate stress on muscles and tendons. Wearing shoe inserts or orthotic devices for additional support and comfort may also help. If you have a heel spur, and especially if it is associated with pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

In various jobs, the safety and well-being of the feet are paramount. Different workplaces present unique risks, making appropriate foot protection crucial. For those in construction or industrial settings, sturdy steel-toed boots guard against falling objects and heavy machinery. In healthcare environments, non-slip shoes prevent slips and falls, while providing support during long shifts. Electricians and those exposed to electrical hazards can benefit from wearing footwear with insulating properties. For workers exposed to chemicals or biohazards, impermeable and chemical-resistant boots are essential. Properly fitting footwear with proper arch support minimizes strain for jobs requiring long periods of standing. Assessing your work environment, identifying potential hazards, and choosing footwear that meets safety standards are vital for safeguarding your feet. Prioritizing foot protection ensures a productive and injury-free work experience. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to wear for your job, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.