Blog

Wearing shoes that are too tight can place pressure on the toes, nails, and sides of the feet. A narrow toe box may squeeze the toes together, while a short shoe can force them against the front. This pressure can cause soreness, blisters, and areas of thickened skin. Corns can form where the skin repeatedly rubs against a shoe. Tight shoes can irritate bunions and hammertoes, making standing or walking painful. An ingrown toenail may become worse when the shoe presses the nail edge into skin.

Poorly fitting shoes can affect more than the skin. Crowded toes may shift position, which can contribute to deformities or make existing ones more painful. Pressure on a nerve can cause burning, tingling, or numbness. Shoes that pinch the heel may lead to irritation at the back of the foot. Patients with diabetes need caution because nerve damage can reduce their ability to feel pressure or injury. A small blister or sore may go unnoticed and develop into an infection. Foot pain that continues after the shoes are removed deserves an evaluation.

A podiatrist can identify the source of pain and determine whether tight shoes have caused a skin problem, nail injury, or toe deformity. The examination includes checking tender areas, joint movement, and skin condition. The podiatrist can measure both feet and explain which shoe length, width, and toe-box shape provide a better fit. Treatment includes safely reducing corns or calluses and caring for an ingrown toenail. Padding, custom orthotics, or another device can reduce pressure and improve foot position. For a severe deformity that does not respond to other treatment, the podiatrist can discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Getting care early can relieve discomfort and help prevent a minor pressure spot from becoming a larger problem. If you have foot pain related to footwear choices, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Morton’s neuroma develops when tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes thickened and irritated. It usually affects the area between the third and fourth toes, although it can develop between other toes. The condition can cause burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot and toes. Some patients describe the feeling as having a small pebble inside the shoe. Pain can become more noticeable when walking or placing pressure on the front of the foot. Wearing tight shoes and high heels can squeeze the toes together and place added pressure on the irritated nerve.

Several factors can contribute to Morton’s neuroma. Foot structure can affect how pressure is distributed across the front of the foot. Flat feet, high arches, and bunions can increase stress in this area. Activities that repeatedly place pressure on the ball of the foot can also irritate the nerve. A podiatrist can examine the painful area and evaluate how the foot moves when walking. X-rays can help rule out other problems, including arthritis or a stress fracture. Ultrasounds or other digital imaging can provide a closer look at the soft tissues when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on reducing pressure around the affected nerve and relieving pain. Custom orthotics can improve foot support and redistribute pressure away from the painful area. A podiatrist can also recommend changes in shoe style and fit to provide more room across the toes. Persistent or severe symptoms may require surgery to remove damaged nerve tissue or release structures that are placing pressure on it. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the problem. If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Foot pain caused by diabetes can develop for several reasons and should not be ignored. Diabetes can affect nerves and blood vessels, making the feet more vulnerable to injury and slower healing. One important complication is loss of protective sensation, commonly called LOPS. This can occur when nerve damage reduces the ability to feel pain, pressure, or injury normally. A person may have a small cut, blister, or sore without realizing it. Symptoms of diabetic foot problems can include burning, tingling, or changes in skin color and temperature.

Wearing tight shoes can create pressure points that lead to blisters, calluses, or corns. When LOPS is present, a person may not feel the discomfort that would normally signal a problem. Stepping on a sharp object can also cause an injury that goes unnoticed. Diabetes may further increase the risk of infection and delayed wound healing. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is another concern. PAD develops when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Reduced circulation can make it harder for damaged tissue to receive the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing.

Risk factors for diabetic foot complications include poorly controlled blood sugar, LOPS, and wearing footwear that does not fit properly. A podiatrist can help reduce these risks through regular foot examinations. During an evaluation, the podiatrist may check protective sensation, circulation, and areas of pressure. The podiatrist may also recommend appropriate diabetic footwear.

Protecting diabetic feet requires consistent attention. Check your feet regularly for cuts, redness, or other changes, and avoid walking barefoot when sensation is reduced. Prompt treatment can reduce the risk of complications and support healthier feet. If diabetes is causing foot pain, numbness, or other concerning changes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It frequently begins between the toes, where moisture can collect. The fungus grows well in warm, damp environments, including locker rooms, swimming pool areas, and public showers. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Shoes can also create a warm environment that encourages fungal growth, especially when feet sweat heavily. Although the name suggests a sports-related problem, athlete’s foot can affect anyone who comes into contact with the fungus.

Symptoms can vary depending on the area of the foot involved. The skin between the toes can become cracked, peeling, or scaly. Itching, burning, and stinging can also occur. Some patients develop blisters or dry skin along the soles and sides of the feet. Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails, making the infection more difficult to treat successfully and completely. Scratching infected skin and then touching another part of the body can spread the fungus. Because other skin problems can look similar, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether a fungal infection is causing the symptoms. When the diagnosis is uncertain, testing a small skin sample can help identify fungus. Treatment includes antifungal medication applied to the skin or, in more stubborn cases, oral medicine may be prescribed.  A podiatrist can also evaluate recurring infections and look for factors that allow the fungus to return. Following the prescribed treatment for the full recommended period is important because stopping too early can allow the infection to remain. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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