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Types and Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the long tendon that connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel. The Achilles tendon is used every time you walk, run, jump, or push up onto your toes. Tendonitis is considered to be an overuse injury and is especially common among runners who increase their distance or speed too quickly. Achilles tendonitis can also affect middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis and basketball, but only play on weekends. Pain of Achilles tendonitis usually starts out with an ache above the heel and progresses after longer bouts of running, stair climbing, or sprinting. Other symptoms are tenderness or stiffness in the morning that dissipates with some activity. If such activities continue and increased pain is ignored, Achilles tendonitis can lead to ruptures that may require surgery. If pain in the back of your heel persists or worsens, please consult a podiatrist for an examination and suggested treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries

Hard and Soft Corns

Corns can cause patients to have severe pain, despite their small size. They can develop as a result of excess friction, which generally happens from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A common area where a corn can be found in the side of the pinky toe. The pain can be so severe, that larger shoes may need to be purchased to lessen its severity. Corns that form between the toes are called soft corns, as they are consistently moist from the sweat that is found there. Some patients have corns that form on top of the toes, and this may be from an existing bunion or hammertoe. Patients who have small corns may find mild relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a pumice stone that can wear the dead skin away. For more severe corns, it is suggested that a podiatrist be contacted, who can prescribe medicine that may shrink it, or possibly trim it surgically. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns and Calluses

Types of Insoles

Foot pain can be caused for a variety of reasons, but ill-fitting shoes are the biggest culprit. And if shoe fit is the reason for foot pain, insoles can be the first line of defense. Insoles are the soft cushions that fit inside most shoes. They work as shock absorbers for the feet. If one wears the same shoe every day, the insoles can start to break down and may need to be replaced. There are different insoles for different needs. An insert, insole, and orthotic are often terms that are used interchangeably, however, they are different. An insert is a thin piece of shoe padding or gel cushion that is placed in shoes to provide relief to pain in heels, arches, and forefeet. They are used for shock absorption, cushioning against pressure, and keeping the feet supported while walking. Insoles are general-purpose, off-the-shelf overlays for shoes that are made of foam. Orthotics are customized inserts that are used to control movement in the feet and legs. They are typically made to order. Visiting a podiatrist is suggested for the proper determination of the best type of insole for your foot discomfort.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

The Feet May Be the First Area to Be Affected by RA

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, and the most common type is rheumatoid. Many people who have this condition often have foot problems, and the feet can be the first area of the body where pain is noticed. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this can include soreness, swelling, and the affected area in the foot may feel warm when touched. The joints that are commonly affected with this type of arthritis are the smaller joints of the toes. This may hinder the ability to walk, maintain balance, and completing daily tasks may become difficult. Some patients develop skin and nail problems as a result of having rheumatoid arthritis, and it is advised that the advice of a podiatrist is sought who can offer correct treatment remedies.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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