Achilles tendon injuries involve damage to the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. These injuries are often caused by overuse, sudden increases in activity, or tight calf muscles. Risk factors include poor footwear, flat feet, and inadequate stretching. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, or a feeling of weakness in the back of the ankle. Types of Achilles injuries include inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tendon and degeneration of the tendon itself. A podiatrist can provide targeted treatment through custom-made orthotics and preventive education. If you experience persistent Achilles pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Sesamoiditis is a painful condition involving inflammation of the sesamoid bones, two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help with movement and bear weight during walking and running. Sesamoiditis is usually caused by repetitive stress, high-impact activities, or wearing shoes that do not provide enough support. Symptoms include pain under the big toe, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bending or straightening the toe. Risk factors include participating in sports like running or dancing, having high arches, or spending long hours on hard surfaces. A podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis through examination and imaging, then recommend treatments such as rest, footwear changes, custom orthotics, and stretching exercises to reduce pain and promote healing. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Sudden increase in activity
Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Reconstructive foot surgery is performed to restore the shape and function of the foot when bones, joints, or soft tissues have been damaged due to trauma, disease, or deformity. Common causes include serious injuries, birth defects like clubfoot, infections, or complications from diabetes and vascular disease. A podiatrist may recommend reconstructive foot surgery when the anatomy of the foot is severely affected and conservative options are no longer effective. Procedures may involve removal of dead or infected tissue, skin grafts, or the use of tissue flaps that include skin, muscle, or bone. Tendon transfers and lengthening may be used to improve foot movement. In some cases, loss of limb may be discussed when reconstruction is not appropriate. Not everyone is a candidate for this surgery, particularly those with widespread infection, severe circulation problems, or poor overall health. A podiatrist can help determine whether surgery is appropriate and explain the options. If you are a candidate for reconstructive foot surgery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
