Items filtered by date: October 2025

Many people may take their foot health for granted, however it is extremely important to take care of your feet in order to prevent issues from arising. Not only can podiatrists help to prevent problems, their extensive knowledge on the feet allows for them to specialize and target their treatments in a more advanced manner as compared to a general practitioner. Podiatrists can help diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate foot related issues, including bunions, heel pain, bone fractures, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails. Podiatrists can also help patients find the proper orthotics to provide support for their feet. Additionally, they can help provide self-care and preventative tips, especially for patients with conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are experiencing any issues with the feet, or you want to get ahead of any potential issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Chronic ankle instability develops when repeated sprains or ligament injuries weaken the ankle over time. This condition often causes persistent pain, swelling, and a sense that the ankle might give way, especially on uneven ground. Ongoing instability can also lead to joint inflammation and early arthritis, if not properly treated. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of damage through physical examination and imaging to determine the best care plan. Treatment may include balance training, strengthening exercises, and custom orthotics to improve stability and alignment. In more advanced cases, minimally invasive procedures may be needed to repair or tighten stretched ligaments. With early intervention and consistent rehabilitation, most patients can regain strength and confidence in their ankle. For lasting pain relief and better mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist experienced in treating chronic ankle instability for expert advice and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Bunions are a common foot deformity that develop when the tip of the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing a bony bump to form on the side of the foot. This misalignment can be caused by inherited foot structure, wearing tight or narrow shoes, arthritis, or repeated stress on the joint. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. The area may feel sore to the touch and can become more painful with walking or standing for long periods. Over time, bunions may worsen and affect mobility. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunion through a physical examination and X-rays to assess the severity. Treatment options include footwear changes, custom orthotics, padding, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the joint. Early intervention can relieve discomfort and prevent progression. To explore effective solutions for bunion pain and deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 bones of the foot play a critical role in running by acting as a spring that stores and releases energy with each step. As the foot strikes the ground, the arches compress to absorb shock and dissipate energy, protecting the joints and soft tissues from excessive stress. During push off, the bones and ligaments work together to release stored energy, propelling the body forward efficiently. Research shows that the foot contributes a significant proportion of the total energy return during running, highlighting its importance in performance and injury prevention. A podiatrist can help by analyzing gait, prescribing orthotics, and providing strategies to optimize foot function. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on practical running form strategies. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.