Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Common symptoms include heel or lower leg pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially after periods of rest or intense movement. Risk factors include having tight calf muscles, flat feet, and repetitive stress from running or jumping. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and create a personalized treatment plan that may include stretching exercises, proper footwear, orthotics, or advanced therapies to reduce inflammation. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
During pregnancy, foot problems often arise due to weight gain, fluid retention, and hormonal changes. The hormone relaxin, which loosens joints to prepare for childbirth, also affects the feet by weakening ligaments and flattening arches. This can lead to fallen arches, overpronation, and heel or arch pain. As the body’s weight increases, more pressure is placed on the feet, sometimes resulting in plantar fasciitis or general foot fatigue. Swelling in the feet and ankles, particularly in the later months, is also common due to increased blood volume and fluid accumulation. Toenail growth may change, and swelling can contribute to the development of painful ingrown toenails. These issues may make walking or standing uncomfortable and increase the risk of balance problems. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide custom orthotics, and offer safe and effective treatment options to address pain or pressure. If you have foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe, where the bones gradually shift out of alignment. This happens when the tip of the big toe leans toward the smaller toes, forcing the metatarsal bone inward and forming a bony lump at the joint. Bunions may develop slowly over years, or appear more rapidly in adolescents. Risk factors include family history, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and structural foot problems, such as over-pronation. Bunions often cause pain, redness, swelling, and thickened skin over the joint. A podiatrist can help by providing supportive devices to ease pressure and correcting foot mechanics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones and relieve pain. If you have a bunion that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sesamoiditis is a painful condition involving two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These sesamoid bones are embedded within a tendon that helps flex the big toe and absorb weight-bearing pressure. When repetitive stress or trauma affects this area, the surrounding tendon can become inflamed, causing pain beneath the ball of the foot. High-impact sports, foot injuries, poor foot mechanics, or shoes that lack adequate support can increase the risk of sesamoiditis. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and sharp pain when bearing weight or bending the big toe. This often builds gradually and may make walking or running difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis by examining the foot, checking for tenderness, and ordering imaging tests to rule out fractures or other problems. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove or repair the affected bone. If you have this type of pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
