Items filtered by date: October 2019

The purpose of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heel. This enables the patient to point and flex the foot, which is necessary in performing daily activities. If this tendon should become injured as a result of suddenly stepping off of a curb, intense pain can be felt in the back of the leg. Additional symptoms can include stiffness in the affected leg upon arising in the morning, and it may become swollen as the day progresses. Additionally, Achilles tendon injuries can occur if exercising is done on an uneven surface, consistently wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if a new sport is started. Moderate relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this may help to reduce a portion of the swelling. If you feel you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Some symptoms your child might be experiencing if they have a broken toe are swelling, redness, severe pain, and discomfort. These symptoms typically occur at the time of the injury. In more severe fractures, the bone may protrude from the skin, which is referred to as a dislocated bone. Broken toes can happen for a variety of reasons including: stubbing the toe against a piece of furniture, stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or jamming it while participating in sporting activities. If the pain is extreme, an X-ray should be performed to determine the extent of the fracture. If your child has broken his or her toe, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can discuss proper treatment options with you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the podiatrists from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

An injury that has occurred to the growth plate in the heel may be referred to as Sever’s disease. This type of injury typically affects teenagers who frequently practice sporting activities that include running and jumping. The symptoms that are generally associated with this condition can consist of heel pain, and it may be difficult to walk. It is beneficial for the child to cease participating in the activity that caused this condition to develop as the healing process occurs. Benefits may come from performing specific stretching techniques that may help the heel and the overall health of the foot. If your child tells you he or she has heel pain, it may be Sever’s disease, and it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist so the proper treatment can begin.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see the podiatrists from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Research has indicated it is beneficial to perform stretching techniques before and after running or jogging. This can help the body to properly warm up prior to beginning a running practice, and to cool down when it is completed. When ankle rotations are done, the bones and ligaments may be protected from injury. These are practiced while rotating your ankle several times in a clockwise direction, then switching to counterclockwise. The overall health of the foot may become stronger when one-legged heel hops are routinely practiced. The hamstrings can be adequately stretched by practicing seated calf stretches, in addition to warming up the calf muscles. This is done by placing a resistance band around the soles of the feet while in a seated position, and gently pulling the feet toward you. If you would like additional about the benefits of stretching the feet, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with the podiatrists from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Have your child's feet been examined lately?