Foot Pain Center - Worcester, MA
Worcester Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors for Foot PainType of Physician: Orthopedic Surgeon What is a Orthopedic Surgeon ? A certification by the Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; practitioners focus on the investigation, preservation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. Birth defects, trauma, infections, tumors and metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system are problems cared for by the orthopaedic surgeon. Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery Common Name: Orthopedist Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors in Worcester * Robert Terrill MD  Carlton Akins MD  Thomas Goss MD  Errol Mortimer MD  Yvonne A Shelton MD  Kirk H Johnson MD  Worcester County Orthopedics  Worcester County Orthopedics  Thomas Breen MD  Michael A Brown MD  Brian D Busconi MD  Memorial Medical Group Lincoln St  Marshall Katzen MD  Orthopaedic Associates Marlborough  Orthopaedic Associates Marlborough  Orthopaedic Associates Marlborough  Orthopaedic Associates Marlborough  Orthopaedic Associates Marlborough  Orthopaedic Associates Marlborough  Longview Orthopaedic Center  Longview Orthopaedic Center  Longview Orthopaedic Center  Milford Orthopaedic Associates  Longview Orthopaedic Center  Wachusett Orthopaedic Surgery  Orthopaedic Associates of South Worcester County  Central Orthopaedics PC  Ronald J Nasif MD  Ahad Dilmaghani, M. D.  Mulroy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine PC  Mulroy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine PC  Mulroy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine PC  Mulroy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine PC  Framingham Orthopedics  Framingham Orthopedics  Framingham Orthopedics  Framingham Orthopedics  Michael D Azzoni MD  Alan Solomon MD  MetroWest Newton Wellesley Orthopedics  MetroWest Newton Wellesley Orthopedics  MetroWest Newton Wellesley Orthopedics  Stephen L Simpson MD PC  Valley Orthopaedic Associates  David G Doctor MD  Concord Orthopaedics Inc  Concord Orthopaedics Inc  Concord Orthopaedics Inc  Orthopaedic Affiliates Inc  Orthopaedic Affiliates Inc  Orthopaedic Affiliates Inc  Orthopaedic Affiliates Inc  MetroWest Newton Wellesley Orthopedics  Sports Medicine of Natick  MetroWest Newton Wellesley Orthopedics  Michael G Kennedy MD  Athol Clinic  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Palmer Medical Center  Hand Surgery  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Hand Surgery  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Joseph McCarthy MD  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Newton-Wellesley Orthopaedic Associates & Sports Medicine  Needham Orthopaedics  John L Doherty Jr. MD  Needham Orthopaedics  Needham Orthopaedics  Needham Orthopaedics  Lawrence Shields MD  Merrimack Valley Orthopaedic Associates LLC  Merrimack Valley Orthopaedic Associates LLC  Merrimack Valley Orthopaedic Associates LLC  Merrimack Valley Orthopaedic Associates LLC  Dedham Medical Associates  Dedham Medical Associates  Dedham Medical Associates  Anas Martin & Parazin MDs  Longwood Orthopaedic Associates Inc  Anas Martin & Parazin MDs  Anas Martin & Parazin MDs  Longwood Orthopaedic Associates Inc  Sports Medicine Assoc  Longwood Orthopaedic Associates Inc  Anas Martin & Parazin MDs  Longwood Orthopaedic Associates Inc  Sports Medicine Assoc  Longwood Hand Worcester, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-26
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Foot PainHow is the foot designed?The foot is an intricate structure of 24 bones that form two crossing arches of the foot. The longitudinal arch runs the length of the foot, and the transverse arch runs the width. The ankle joint is formed by the interaction of the foot and the lower leg, and the toes are on the far side of the foot. The bones of the foot are primarily held together by their fit with each other and connected by a fibrous tissue known as ligaments. The muscles of the foot, along with a tough, sinewy tissue known as the plantar fascia, provide secondary support to the foot. The foot has internal muscles that originate and insert in the foot and external muscles that begin in the lower leg and attach in various places on the bones of the foot. There are also fat pads in the foot to help with weight-bearing and absorbing impact.
The foot is the foundation of athletic movements of the lower extremity. Pain indicates that there is something wrong with either the interaction of internal structures of the foot or with the how the foot is interacting with external influences. How and when the pain occurs and the locations of the pain are the primary clues to what may be causing the pain. When there is pain, the body reacts by changing the way it moves or functions in an effort to reduce the pain. Biomechanical changes or disease may prevent the normal movement and cause further injury.
What causes foot pain?Foot pain may be caused by many different conditions or injuries. Acute or repeated trauma, disease, or a combination are the most common causes of foot pain. Trauma is a result of forces outside of the body either directly impacting the body or forcing the body into a position where a single or combination of forces result in damage to the structures of the body. Poor biomechanical alignment may lead to foot pain. Wearing shoes that are too tight or high heels can... Recommended Reading Related to Foot PainBunions facts
What are bunions?The common bunion is a localized area of enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. The enlargement actually represents additional bone formation, often in combination with a misalignment of the big toe. The misalignment causes the big toe to move outward (medically termed hallux valgus deformity). The normal position of the big toe (straight forward) becomes outward-directed toward the smaller toes. The enlarged joint at the base of... Other Related Foot Pain ArticlesEmergency Contact for Worcester
Nearby Worcester Hospitals *St Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center UMass Memorial Medical Center Memorial Campus Adcare Hospital of Worcester Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital Worcester State Hospital UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus Westborough State Hospital Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough UMass Memorial Clinton Hospital UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital Hubbard Regional Hospital Milford Regional Medical Center Harrington Memorial Hospital Eleanor Slater Hospital Zambarano Unit HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Campus MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Baystate Mary Lane Hospital Health Alliance Burbank Hospital Landmark Medical Center Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Heywood Hospital Nashoba Valley Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island Day Kimball Hospital Emerson Hospital Wing Memorial Hospital & Medical Center Newton Wellesley Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Westwood Lodge Hospital Athol Memorial Hospital Caritas Norwood Hospital Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus McLean Hospital Arbour-Fuller Hospital Our Lady of Fatima Hospital Bournewood Hospital Lahey Clinic Medical Center Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center Franciscan Hospital for Children Kindred Hospital Boston Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Faulkner Hospital Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island Sturdy Memorial Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Foot Pain by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Gout
- Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead to abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
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Athlete's Foot
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
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Corns
- Corns and calluses are sometimes painful areas of thickened skin that appear between the toes and fingers or on the soles of the feet. Abnormal foot anatomy, ill-fitting footwear, and unusual gait can put increased pressure in specific areas, causing corns and calluses. Treatment may involve using over-the-counter salicylic-acid products, visiting a podiatrist to be fitted with an orthotic device, or surgical removal.
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Warts (Common Warts)
- Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Over-the-counter treatments typically involve the use of salicylic acid products.
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Shin Splints
- Shin splints result from inflammation from injury to the tendon and adjacent tissues in the front of the outer leg. Shin splints commonly occur in runners or aggressive walkers, causing pain and discomfort. An increase in workout intensity, weak ankles and pronation may be to blame for shin splints. Stretching, strengthening, and icing the affected area are effective treatments for shin splints. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are also advised.
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Ankle Pain
- Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.
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Broken Toe
- A broken toe is one of the most common fractures among individuals. There are many causes of a broken toe, whether it is the big toe, middle toes, or little toe (pinky). Common symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. A broken toe can be treated with buddy taping the toe. There are instances where a physician should be consulted for a broken toe.
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Bunions
- The common bunion, an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe, primarily affects women. The signs and symptoms of bunions include inflammation, redness, tenderness, and pain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The little toe may also develop a bunion (tailor's bunion). Rest, walking shoes, stretching, cold packs, and antiinflammatory medications may alleviate pain. Surgery is also a treatment option.
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Leprosy
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a disfiguring disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. The disease is spread from person to person through nasal secretions or droplets. Symptoms and signs of leprosy include numbness, loss of temperature sensation, painless ulcers, eye damage, loss of digits, and facial disfigurement. Leprosy is treated with antibiotics and the dosage and length of time of administration depends upon which form of leprosy the patient has.
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Bone Spurs
- Bone spurs are pointy outgrowths of bone that develop in areas of inflammation or injury. They commonly occur on the heel and spine and may be the result of reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tenderness. Treatment focuses on decreasing inflammation and avoiding re-injury.
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Fracture
- Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
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Bruises
- A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the tissues as well as from the body's response to the injury. Treatments include applying an ice pack and pressure to the area by hand.
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Ingrown Toenail
- Ingrown toenails are caused by the growth of the toenail into the surrounding nail fold. Symptoms include toe pain, swelling, redness, and yellow drainage. Treatment at home involves soaking the affected foot in diluted white vinegar or Epsom salts, elevating the foot, and trimming the nails straight across. Surgery is also an option for severe cases. Prevent ingrown toenails by wearing shoes with a wider toe box and avoiding repeated injury to the toenails. Avoid curving or cutting the nails short at the edges.
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Sprains and Strains
- An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
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Broken Foot
- There are several bones in the foot, and these bones can be broken (fractured) in a variety of ways. Falling from heights, dropping heavy objects on the foot, or stress fractures from running or walking. Treatment of a broken foot depends on what bone in the foot is broken.
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Morton's Neuroma
- A Morton's neuroma is an inflamed nerve between the bones at the ball of the foot. Symptoms include a burning, sharp pain on the bottom of the foot. Treatment involves resting the foot, wearing better-fitting shoes, ice packs, and cortisone injection.
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Diabetes and Foot Problems
- Diabetes related foot problems can affect your health with two problems: diabetic neuropathy, where diabetes affects the nerves, and peripheral vascular disease, where diabetes affects the flow of blood. Common foot problems for people with diabetes include athlete's foot, fungal infection of nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, foot ulcers, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
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Fitness: Exercise for a Healthy Heart
- Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease. To achieve maximum benefits, do a mix of stretching exercise, aerobic activity, and strengthening exercise. Aim to get 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three to four times a week. Consult a doctor before exercising for the first time, especially if you have health problems.
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Fitness
- Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
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Turf Toe
- Turf toe is a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, a popping sound, and limited range of motion. Treatment may involve taking ibuprofen, immobilizing with tape, cast, or a walking boot.
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Gout
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Medications
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Procedures & Tests
1 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
5 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
1 articles -
Health News
11 articles -
Health Features
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