Items filtered by date: September 2020

The Achilles tendon is found in the back of the leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. Many patients experience an Achilles tendon injury from repetitive motion which may be caused by participating in running and jumping activities. Common symptoms include severe pain and discomfort while walking, and the foot may become swollen and feel weak. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent an Achilles tendon injury. These can include performing specific stretches that can relieve tight calf muscles, and wearing shoes that fit properly. If you have pain in the heel and calf areas of your leg, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Inc.. 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 Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel gets squeezed or pressed, resulting in multiple issues. This narrow tunnel in the ankle, next to the ankle bone, serves as a pathway for nerves, veins, arteries and tendons. Risk factors for tarsal tunnel syndrome include having flat feet, muscle tightness, an abnormal structure like a cyst or tumor in the foot, trauma, or systemic diseases such as diabetes. Common symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain on the inside of the ankle, a shooting sensation that can radiate up the ankle, and numbness or tingling along the sole of the foot. Those who believe that they may be suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome should consult with a podiatrist immediately in order to prevent future damage. There are a variety of both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options and your podiatrist will determine what course of action is best for you. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The five metatarsal bones, plus the tendons and ligaments that create the arch at the top of the foot and connect the midfoot to the forefoot, are known as the Lisfranc joint complex. These ligaments and tendons can be sprained, or the metatarsal bones can be fractured, resulting in what is known as a “Lisfranc injury.” Usually this injury is caused by either trauma to the foot or a sudden force and rotation to the midfoot. If there are no fractures or complete tears, a cast will likely be needed for around six weeks before starting rehab. However, most Lisfranc injury cases will require a surgery that realigns the structures to ensure proper healing, and recovery time can take as long as six months. If you have experienced a Lisfranc injury or would like more information, make sure to consult with your podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The ball of the foot, also known as the forefoot, is a complex area of the foot that contains bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Because of this complexity, a variety of injuries can form in this area. One issue that can develop in the ball of the foot is Morton's Neuroma, which is the swelling of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Sesamoiditis, an overuse injury of two bones that are beneath the big toe, is another common issue. Another frequently seen injury is bursitis, which is an irritation of the cushion-like sacs between the tendons and bones. Other common issues in the ball of the foot include capsulitis, arthritis, hammertoe, corns, or a plantar plate injury. Because of the variety of possible injuries in this area of the foot, it is important to visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment for the pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors 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 offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.