Foot problems should never be shrugged off. No matter how seemingly minor they are, there is no guarantee that they will not escalate into something that has the potential to not only throw off your routine but also cost you your mobility or your health.
That is why here at the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England, we always encourage the people in the communities we serve to practice proper foot care and check their feet daily. If something feels off, it is best to err on the side of caution—visit our foot clinic in Dartmouth as soon as possible.
Let us learn about some of the key signs that indicate it is time to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
Persistent or Recurring Foot or Ankle Pain
If you are plagued by persistent or recurring foot or ankle pain, take it seriously, as it is likely a sign that something is amiss. Pain that lasts beyond a week, especially if it worsens with activity, warrants medical evaluation. It could point to an underlying condition like tendonitis, arthritis, nerve compression, or a stress fracture, which can worsen without proper treatment.
To get to the bottom of the problem, our foot expert will carry out a comprehensive assessment. This includes a physical exam, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging. From there, we will create a tailored treatment plan to relieve pain and restore normal function. Your plan may include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and/or regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Structural Changes
Structural foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes are gradual and progressive. Their symptoms often show up inconspicuously and become more pronounced as time goes on.
If you notice that your toes are starting to curl or overlap, or that a bony bump is forming at the base of your big toe, schedule a visit with one of our foot doctors right away. Left unaddressed, these changes can alter the way your foot functions and lead to chronic pain and instability.
Our foot expert will examine the alignment of your foot and order diagnostic imaging—such as X-rays—to get a clearer view of the underlying joint structure and confirm the extent of the deformity. Depending on the diagnosis, we may recommend custom orthotics, physical therapy, or other interventions to keep the deformity from getting worse.
Difficulty Walking or Balance Issues
If you have begun to notice changes in your gait (e.g., limping, favoring one side, or feeling off-balance), book an appointment with one of our foot experts as soon as possible. These could point to an underlying foot problem that needs thorough evaluation. The common culprits are muscular imbalance, joint dysfunction, and nerve damage. These issues are often subtle at first but can gradually compromise your mobility and increase your risk for injury.
Our foot doctor will perform a comprehensive gait analysis to determine how your feet, muscles, and nerves are affecting your movement and order other tests to identify the root cause. The type of treatment our foot expert will recommend will depend on the diagnosis. We may recommend custom orthotics, targeted exercises, medications, and/or balance training to improve stability and restore efficient movement.
Ingrown Toenails or Fungal Nail Infections
Ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections are common foot problems, but that does not mean they are harmless.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge presses into or punctures the surrounding skin, often leading to inflammation, infection, and sharp pain with even slight pressure. They are especially troublesome for people who are on their feet a lot, wear tight shoes, or have curved nails. Without proper medical care, the condition can worsen and make you susceptible to serious bone infection, particularly if you have diabetes or any other condition that causes poor circulation.
Fungal nail infections are usually brought on by the same type of fungi that cause ringworm and athlete’s foot. A nail invaded by fungi appears thickened, crumbly, and/or discolored, and it can get detached from the nail bed. Fungal nail infections require proper medical care as they are highly contagious and can be tough to get rid of. They can spread to other people and other areas of your body, such as your other toenails, skin between your toes, and even your groin.
Our foot expert will examine your toenail to determine the severity of the issue and tailor the treatment accordingly. For ingrown toenails, we often remove the portion of the nail causing pain. In recurring cases, we usually perform an in-office procedure called a partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy to remove part of the nail and treat the root to prevent that edge from growing inward again. For fungal infections, we typically prescribe antifungal medications and provide guidance on prevention. For severe cases, we usually remove the nail and its root completely and apply the antifungal medication to the nail bed.
Diabetes-Related Foot Concerns
If you have diabetes, foot care is a non-negotiable aspect of your overall health management. The condition can damage your nerves, cause poor blood flow, and slow wound healing. Without medical treatment, these issues can lead to foot ulcers or infections and, ultimately, to serious or even life-threatening complications like gangrene (tissue death).
You should visit us if you notice any of the following:
- A wound or blister that is not healing
- New swelling, redness, or warmth in your foot
- A change in skin color, thickened or ingrown toenails, or any numbness, tingling, or burning sensation.
Even if you do not see anything wrong with your feet, regular visits with us are vital. You need an extra pair of eyes to catch problems you might not have noticed, especially those that develop without pain or visible symptoms.
During your appointment, our specialist will do a comprehensive diabetic foot exam to see whether there are signs of injuries and abnormalities, such as those mentioned above. They will also educate you on preventive care to avoid complications.
Foot Clinic in Dartmouth, MA
If you are searching for a reputable foot clinic in Dartmouth, MA, visit us here at the Foot and Ankle Institute of New England. Our specialists are known not only for their expertise and professionalism but also for their commitment to patient-centered care. Beyond providing high-quality treatment, our experts gladly educate patients, empowering them to take an active role in their care and make informed decisions that support long-term foot and ankle health.
To schedule a consultation with one of our foot and ankle experts, call us today at (508) 679-3700 or use our convenient appointment request form.
