- Warts
- ArthritisAnkle surgery may be required to correct a serious deformity of the ankle and its bone structure. Injury (such as a fracture), birth defects, or changes throughout the course of life are the usual culprits. Diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuromuscular conditions, may cause severe Read more
- Plantar Fasciitis- Plantar Fasciitis—an inflammation on the bottom of the foot that leads to heel and/or arch pain. A variety of foot injuries or improper foot mechanics can lead to plantar fasciitis. Treatments range from icing and foot exercises to the prescription of custom orthotics to correct the foot position and help alleviate pain.
- CryotherapyCryotherapy is a standard treatment for warts that uses a very cold substance (usually liquid nitrogen) to freeze and deaden the tissue. Cryotherapy can be done in a doctor's office and takes less than a minute. During the procedure, the doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the wart using a probe or Read more
- Diabetic Foot Care
- NeurolysisNeurolysis is a therapeutic procedure used to treat neuromas. During this nonsurgical procedure, the affected nerve is chemically destroyed via seven weekly injections of ethanol mixed with a local anesthetic. Because nerve tissue has an affinity for ethanol, it absorbs the substance, which, after repeated Read more
- Diabetes Care
- Thyroid
- UltrasoundUltrasound is a very effective tool for diagnosing a wide variety of foot and ankle problems, particularly soft tissue problems. Ultrasound uses sound waves on the body in a way much like radar uses sound waves. The waves hit a targeted area and are bounced back to a recording device, which produces Read more
- MRIMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sophisticated diagnostic equipment used to diagnose an array of health problems or conditions, including: Arthritis. Fractures. Infections. Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage. Tumors. MRIs use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They Read more
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyComputed tomography (CT) examination (also known as a CAT scan) is used in podiatry to help diagnose and treat foot or ankle problems. A CT is a kind of X-ray device that takes cross sectional images of a part of the body, giving the physician a three-dimensional image. CT scans are often superior to Read more
- IontophoresisIontophoresis is a procedure used to treat excessive sweating in the hands or feet. The procedure involves one or a series of short, 10- to 20-minute sessions in the doctor's office during which a light electrical current is passed through water into the feet. The current is gradually increased until Read more
- Orthopedics
- Wound Care
- Ankle Surgery
- Bunion SurgeryHallux Varus is a condition in which the big toe points away from the second toe. It is a possible complication from bunion surgery. The condition has been linked to a number of other causes, including congenital deformity, tight or short abductor hallucis tendons, trauma, injury, or an absence or surgical Read more
- Cyst RemovalGanglion masses, or cysts, are normally removed through surgery. Most cyst removal surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. Contact our office to have this procedure performed. During the procedure, the cyst is dissected from the surrounding soft tissues and removed. The recovery period depends Read more
- BunionsWhat are Bunions? Also known as a hallux valgus, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Bunions are a common toe disorder that affects about a third of all adults in the US. They form due to the big toe pointing inward to the other toes of your feet. As a result, the metatarsophalangeal Read more
- Ingrown ToenailsIngrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails Read more
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Skin CancerThere are many kinds of cancers of the foot. Some take the form of cysts and lesions, while others are more widespread. Malignant melanoma is a skin cancer that is curable if caught early. Although it makes up only one percent of skin cancers, malignant melanoma accounts for over 60 percent of skin Read more
- Dermatology
- CornsCorns are calluses that form on the toes because of bones that push up against shoes and build up pressure on the skin. The surface layer of the skin thickens, irritating the tissues underneath. Hard corns are usually located on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toe. Soft corns resemble Read more
- Cyst
- FrostbiteExtreme exposure of your feet to cold for a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. This is followed by numbness in toes or feet and changes in skin color, from pale or red to bluish-gray or black. Read more
- Ulcer
- CallusesHeel calluses, also called plantar calluses, develop when one metatarsal bone is longer or lower than the others and it hits the ground with more force than it is equipped to handle. As a result, the skin under this bone thickens. The resulting callus causes irritation and pain. In most cases, heel Read more
- Eczema
- Fungus2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete's Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
- LesionsOsteochondritis are lesions that usually cause pain and stiffness of the ankle joint and affect all age groups. Osteochondritis is caused by a twisting-type injury to the ankle. Symptoms include swelling and ankle pain. Immobilization of the foot and ankle for a period of time usually resolves the Read more
- PsoriasisHeel fissures is the term for cracking of the skin of the heels. This can be a painful condition that can cause bleeding. Open-backed sandals or shoes that allow more slippage around the heel while walking are often culprits that cause heel fissures. Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can Read more
- Sports Medicine
- Physical TherapySummertime in New England is one of my favorite times of year; it is sunshine, sandy beaches, BBQs and of course, summer footwear. For a lot of people summer is flip-flops, sandals and going barefoot, but this time of year can be particularly difficult for those suffering from foot pain. As a Podiatrist, the summer months are a time of increased foot pain, calluses, splinters and heel pain. Heel pain or plantar fasciitis is also a common complaint at the end of summer. Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the bottom of the heel or along the arch of one or both feet. This disorder is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia that can be triggered by improper or unsupportive shoe gear, such as flip flops and excessive barefoot walking. For treatment, I advise a stretching routine, anti-inflammatories, proper shoe gear, orthotics, and icing. Other treatment options include use of a night splint, custom orthotics, EPAT, physical therapy and for more severe cases surgery.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainWith all its running, twisting, turning, and jumping, basketball is one of the hardest games on feet. Different movements put all the areas of the foot at risk. That is why proper conditioning, stretching, and well-fitted shoes are critical to a healthy enjoyment of the sport. Ankle sprain is a particularly Read more
- Back Pain
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryPlease contact any of our offices to set up an appointment or to learn more about our practice. For your convenience, all Valley Podiatry offices are handicap accessible and are equipped to do on-site x-rays.
- Achilles TendonitisThe Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more. It also is the most frequently ruptured tendon, usually as a result of a sports injury. Both professional and weekend athletes may suffer from Achilles tendonitis, a common overuse injury and Read more
- Ankle InstabilityChronic lateral ankle pain is recurring or chronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle.Signs and symptoms include: Ankle instability. Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels. Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the Read more
- Ankle Sprain
- Bunions Problems- Bunions—misaligned big toe joints that swell and become tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery is frequently performed to correct the problem.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareWelcome to Valley Podiatry Associates, PC, a private practice serving South Hadley, Springfield, and Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Drs. Walter R. Wolf, Erik V. Meunier, Tammie A. Black, and Lauren A. Perica offer expert and professional podiatric services. They provide complete foot and ankle care, including diabetic foot care, sports medicine treatment, and foot surgery.
- Flat Feet
- Hammertoes- Hammertoes—usually stemming from muscle imbalance, this condition occurs when the toe is bent into a claw-like position. Hammertoe can affect any toe, but most frequently occurs to the second toe, when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes may help alleviate any aggravation of pain or discomfort.
- Heel Spurs- Heel Spurs—growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel later calcifies to form a spur. Proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes can reduce the strain to the ligament and prevent the formation of heel spurs.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Ingrown Toenails4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; this can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet, because they are more prone to infection.
- Foot Injuries
- MetatarsalgiaPain in the area between the arch and toes, or ball of the foot, is generally called metatarsalgia. The pain usually centers on one or more of the five bones (metatarsals) in this mid-portion of the foot. Also known as dropped metatarsal heads, metatarsalgia can cause abnormal weight distribution due Read more
- Foot Neuroma
- Foot OrthoticsKohler's Disease is a spontaneous loss of blood supply to a particular bone in the foot. Treatments may include cast immobilization, reduced activities and foot orthotics or inserts. Read more
- Pediatric Foot Care
- Plantar FasciitisHeel pain can be caused by several different disorders, but the most common cause of heel pain is known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of tissue called the plantar fascia that starts in the heel bone, runs along the bottom of the foot and attaches to the toes, creating the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes irritated and inflamed it causes pain in the heel known as plantar fasciitis. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain in the bottom of the heel or arch, difficulty walking or standing, pain first thing in the morning or after rest and pain at the end of the day. Each patient may experience heel pain in slightly different ways, but for the most part is all caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia.
- Podiatric Surgery
- Allergies