Items filtered by date: April 2020

Many people are unaware that the Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. It can become easily damaged among people who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and a sudden injury can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, it may gradually endure wear and tear, and may become inflamed. If an injury is the cause of an Achilles tendon rupture, there may be a loud cracking sound that is heard at the time of the mishap. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which generally involves having an MRI or ultrasound taken, the correct treatment can begin. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you with determining the best treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that many cases of plantar fasciitis do not occur as a result of a traumatic injury. The plantar fascia is a portion of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, and connects the heels to the toes. If it tears or becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis can develop, and this may cause severe pain and discomfort. Many people who are afflicted with this condition will gradually experience this ailment, and it can happen from standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time throughout the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may play a significant role in developing plantar fasciitis. There are a variety of methods to treat this condition. If you have heel pain, and think it may indicate plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options that are best for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated the chances may increase for children who are obese to have difficulty in walking. The feet may be affected by the additional weight, and this may cause the gait to change. Additionally, it may be more difficult for overweight children to balance, possibly as a result of weakened muscles in the feet. Flat feet is common among obese children. This may lead to general fatigue in the body, and it can become difficult to maintain activity levels. If you would like more information about how obesity can affect your children’s feet, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you have noticed a thickened layer of skin, often appearing in a small, ball-like shape, you may have developed a foot condition known as a corn. Corns generally form due to excess pressure put on the soles of the feet, and are known to be recurring if not properly treated. Corns are generally sore to the touch and may become increasingly more painful overtime. To help treat this condition, it may be beneficial to wear corn caps, have cryosurgery performed, or wear shoe inserts for extra support and cushion. Some patients have found soaking their feet in warm water followed by filing their corn with a pumice stone to be helpful in relieving discomfort. To determine which treatment option is best for you, and to prevent corns from recurring, it’s suggested you consult with your local podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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 offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.