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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Fall Risk in the Elderly

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry sensation from the feet and legs to the brain. In older adults, this condition often reduces the ability to feel the ground, notice uneven surfaces, or sense pressure changes. When balance feedback is dulled, walking becomes less stable, and the risk of falls rises. Falls in the elderly can lead to fractures, loss of independence, and long recovery periods. Neuropathy may be caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, circulation problems, or certain medications. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness that worsens over time. Wearing supportive footwear, balance training, and early treatment may help lower fall risk. When numbness, frequent stumbles, or unexplained foot changes appear, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

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Yoga Poses That May Help Relieve Plantar Fasciitis

Yoga poses can support flexibility and strength in the feet, and may help ease plantar fasciitis discomfort. Upward salute is performed by standing tall, lifting the arms overhead, and gently stretching through the arches while grounding the heels. Chair pose involves bending the knees while keeping weight evenly distributed through the feet to strengthen the arches and lower legs. High lunge is done by stepping one foot back, pressing the heel down, and stretching the calf and plantar tissues. Additionally, table top toe pose is performed on hands and knees with toes tucked under to stretch the bottom of the feet. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis, guide safe movement, and create a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include effective yoga poses. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment techniques. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

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Common Types of Foot Surgery and Podiatric Care

Foot surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments fail to relieve pain or restore function. Common types of foot surgery include bunion procedures to realign the big toe joint, fusion surgery to stabilize painful or arthritic joints, and hammertoe correction to straighten curled or bent toes. Additionally, heel surgery can address chronic heel pain or deformity, and neuroma surgery may relieve nerve compression in the forefoot. Each procedure is carefully selected based on the patient’s condition, symptoms, and lifestyle needs. A podiatrist evaluates the foot structure, reviews imaging, and discusses all treatment options to ensure the best outcome. If ongoing foot pain limits your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to learn whether surgical care may help restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

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Moving Forward After a Midfoot Injury

Recovering from a Lisfranc fracture often requires patience and a structured exercise plan to restore strength and mobility. This injury, commonly caused by a fall, sports impact, or vehicle accident, may leave the midfoot swollen, bruised, or visibly altered in shape. It can feel stiff, weak, or painful, especially when pushing off or standing for long periods. A podiatrist begins by evaluating healing through physical examination and imaging, then designs a gradual rehabilitation program. Exercises may include gentle stretching to improve flexibility, strengthening movements to rebuild arch support, and balance training to restore stability. These exercises are designed to progress carefully to avoid reinjury while encouraging safe movement. Combined with proper footwear and possible orthotics, exercise plays a key role in full recovery. If you suspect a Lisfranc fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

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