Osteoarthritis in the ankles is a very painful condition which causes the cartilage that protects bones in the ankle to deteriorate. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, swelling, stiffness, tenderness and intense pain in the ankle, and a decreased ability to walk or bend and flex your ankles. Several factors can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) in the ankles, such as previous ankle injuries, recurrent high-impact stress on the ankles, misaligned joints, genetics, obesity and age. Your podiatrist can diagnose OA with a physical exam to test joint tenderness and swelling, X-rays, a gait analysis to assess your stride and foot and ankle biomechanics, and blood tests to distinguish OA from other forms of arthritis. There are many ways a podiatrist can help you manage the symptoms of OA, from lifestyle changes and physical therapy to various braces and orthotic devices, topical creams, pain relievers, and steroid injections. In severe cases of OA, surgery may be beneficial to remove spurs and loose cartilage, fuse the ankle to reduce pain, or replace damaged cartilage and bone with prosthetic parts (arthroplasty). If you believe you may have osteoarthritis in the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment as soon as possible to begin treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser Therapy is a non-invasive method of treatment that uses two continuous therapeutic wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the tissue to stimulate the regeneration of cells, decrease pain and inflammation, and improve circulation to the injured area. While there may be a slight warming sensation at the site of treatment, the combination of these two synchronized wavelengths minimizes the risk of thermal damage. Treatments generally take 10-15 minutes, and the typical course of treatment entails roughly 6 to 12 treatments. Many patients experience long-term positive results from MLS Therapy, as it addresses the cause of pain rather than simply masking symptoms. Podiatrists may use MLS therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, bursitis, neuromas, arthritis, fractures, injuries, and more. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your podiatrist to see if you are a good candidate for MLS Laser Therapy.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

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

The most common form of foot and ankle pain is heel pain. This condition can be caused by mechanical issues in the foot, wearing improperly fitted or inappropriate shoes, and overusing the heel in physical activities. Some typical forms of heel pain include: plantar fasciitis (when the tissue on the sole of the feet becomes inflamed), heel spurs (when wear on the heel causes calcium to deposits on the heel bone), sever's disease (when the growth plate in the heel of a growing child becomes irritated from wear), heel bumps (bony protrusions which form at the back of the heel typically due to ill-fitting shoes), Achilles tendinopathy (repeated stress where the Achilles tendon meets the heel), heel neuritis (nerve entrapment on the bottom of the heel), and heel bursitis (when the Bursa sac of fluid which protects the Achilles tendon gets irritated due to excessive stress). If you have any pain in your heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who will perform a physical exam and run tests to determine what is causing your heel pain and how best to treat it.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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