FOOT + ANKLE
Conditions We Treat
At our podiatry office in Portsmouth, NH, we care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from everyday aches and pains to more complex problems. No matter what’s bothering you, our goal is to help you feel better, move more comfortably, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
FOOT
CONDITIONS
FOREFOOT
Capsulitis
Capsulitis is inflammation of the ligaments and soft tissue surrounding a joint, most commonly affecting the ball of the foot near the second toe. It often causes aching, swelling, or the feeling of “walking on a pebble,” and can develop from overuse, foot structure, or abnormal pressure on the joint.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment. It often leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing certain shoes.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are deformities where the toes bend abnormally at the middle joint due to muscle imbalance. They can cause pain, corns, and difficulty fitting into shoes.
Morton’s Neuroma
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue, commonly between the toes, due to irritation or compression. It can cause burning pain, tingling, or a sensation of a lump in the foot.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive overuse or excessive strain. They often lead to localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
MIDFOOT
Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to pain, fatigue, and altered walking mechanics.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the foot and ankle involves inflammation and degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness. It commonly results in reduced mobility, swelling, and difficulty with daily activities.
Foot Fractures + Sprains
Foot fractures are breaks in the bones, while sprains involve ligament injuries from twisting or trauma. Both conditions cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
ANKLE
CONDITIONS
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. It typically causes heel pain that is worse with the first steps in the morning.
Achilles Tendon
Pain + Injuries
Pain or damage to the Achilles tendon typically results from overuse, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, and discomfort during walking or exercise.
Ankle Fractures
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint, often caused by trauma or twisting injuries. It can lead to severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
Ankle Impingement
Ankle impingement occurs when soft tissue or bone becomes compressed within the ankle joint during movement. This condition often causes chronic pain, limited motion, and discomfort with activity.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain involves stretching or tearing of ligaments that support the ankle, usually from a twisting injury. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and instability when walking.
Sever’s disease
Calcaneal Apophysitis
Sever’s disease is a growth-related heel condition seen in active children and adolescents. It causes heel pain due to inflammation at the growth plate from repetitive stress.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse or repetitive strain. It typically results in pain, swelling, and reduced function in the affected area.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed along the inside of the ankle. It can cause burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot.
SKIN
CONDITIONS
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include tight shoes, improper nail trimming, injury, or naturally curved nails.
Thick Toenails
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, trauma, or underlying medical conditions. They may become discolored, brittle, and difficult to trim or manage.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It causes itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes cracking of the skin.
Plantar Warts
Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on the soles of the feet and may cause discomfort when walking.
