The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body; it is a tough band of fibrous tissue that stretches from the bones of the heel to the calf muscles. This tendon is what allows us to stand on our toes while running, walking, or jumping, it is common for this tendon to become injured. In severe cases, the Achilles tendon may become partially torn or completely ruptured. However, this tendon is susceptible to injury because of its limited blood supply and the high level of tension it endures.
The people who are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries are athletes who partake in activities that require them to speed up, slow down, or pivot. Consequently, athletes who engage in running, gymnastics, dance, football, baseball, basketball, or tennis are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries. Additionally, there are other factors that may make you more prone to this injury. People who wear high heels, have flat feet, tight leg muscles or tendons, or take medicines called glucocorticoids are more likely to have Achilles tendon injuries.
A common symptom of an Achilles tendon injury is pain above the heel that is felt when you stand on your toes. However, if the tendon is ruptured, the pain will be severe, and the area may become swollen and stiff. Other symptoms may be reduced strength in the lower ankle or leg area, and reduced range of motion in the ankle. When the Achilles tendon tears, there is usually a popping sound that occurs along with it. People who have acute tears or ruptures may find walking and standing to be difficult.
If you suspect you have injured your Achilles tendon, you should see your podiatrist to have a physical examination. Your podiatrist will likely conduct a series of tests to diagnose your injury including a “calf-squeeze” test. Calf squeeze tests are performed by first squeezing the calf muscle on the healthy leg. This will pull on the tendon and consequently cause the foot to move. Afterward, the same test will be performed on the injured leg. If the tendon is torn, the foot won’t move because the calf muscle won’t be connected to the foot.
The medical term for the part of the foot that is known as the Achilles tendon is referred to as the calcaneal tendon. It is located in the back of the calf, and connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is considered to be the largest tendon in the body, and is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot. A foot mishap may result in an Achilles tendon injury, and this often causes severe pain and discomfort. This tendon could partially tear, and in the worse case scenario, may completely rupture. It can happen to people who enjoy the sport of running, and increasing the mileage and speed too soon may result in this type of injury. It is common among men who choose to participate in certain sporting activities during time off from work, and their bodies may not be used to twisting and turning, and the Achilles tendon may become injured. The symptoms that are generally associated with this condition include swelling, the inability to stand, and there may be a popping noise at the time of the injury. For a ruptured Achilles tendon, surgery may be necessary to repair the foot so daily activities can resume. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best treatment options for you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire 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
Rupture Symptoms
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:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Maintaining good foot health is essential to ensuring that your entire body is healthy and intact. It is estimated that millions of people across the United States experience some foot pain or condition because of ill-fitting shoes. Therefore, knowing how shoes ought to fit your feet and what to look for when you go shoe shopping can positively impact the health and vitality of your feet. While each person’s shoe shopping experience is unique, there are several rules of thumb that might apply to everyone. First, you might be especially mindful of finding a shoe that mirrors the shape of your foot. Although it might seem obvious, many people overlook how important it is to select shoes that are not smaller or narrower than the natural shape of their own foot. Additionally, one must be mindful of the fact that shoe sizes are not uniform across brands or shoe types. Therefore, instead of relying exclusively on your numerical shoe size when shopping, you might consider using these numbers as guides, focusing more on the fit of the shoe than the size. Lastly, look for shoes that provide adequate space in the toe box of the shoe. In a good-fitting pair of shoes, your longest toe will not rest flush against the front of the shoe. Leave at most one half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. For more tips on how to shop for a good pair of shoes, consult a podiatrist.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many people suffer from foot problems because their shoes are poorly fitted. When shopping for a new pair of shoes, fashion usually triumphs over comfortability. A pair of well fitted shoes is essential in preventing foot problems and potential injuries.
Poorly fitted shoes can cause foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and foot pain. Shoes such as high heels and sandals may cause problems for your feet. These shoes put the foot in an unnatural position for long periods and fail to provide good foot support. It is recommended to not wear either one for an extended period.
When you are trying on shoes, make sure they have enough space for your toes to move around. Shoes shouldn’t be cramped but also shouldn’t have too much room that your foot moves around in them. A snug shoe is a good choice. They should also provide good arch support and cushioning. Athletic shoes tend to offer both good support and cushioning. A degree of flexibility is necessary so they aren’t too stiff or too unsupportive.
If you can wear your shoes for a long period of time without experiencing any discomfort, this is a sign that your shoes fit properly. Do not be too dismayed if the shoe isn’t a perfect fit at first; many shoes take a few days to weeks to properly break in. However don’t expect an uncomfortable shoe to become fitted to your foot.
For those with foot conditions such as flat feet or pronation, orthotics may be helpful or even necessary to prevent foot pain. Orthotics are inserts that are placed in the shoe and provide support and cushioning for the foot. While there are many types of orthotics out there, custom-made orthotics may be necessary depending upon your foot and foot conditions.
Feet change in size over time. It is important to check your foot size over time so that you can make sure you have the perfect fit for your feet. A podiatrist can provide more information on proper shoe fitting and foot orthotics.
Individuals that suffer from obesity are naturally at a higher risk of experiencing a variety of foot ailments and foot pain. One important link between obesity and foot health that every parent should be aware of is the relationship between childhood obesity and flat feet. When an individual has flat feet, their entire soles rest flush against the ground and lack an arch. Although a flat foot does not always cause symptoms, the condition can cause foot pain and eventually contribute to back pain. Scientific studies have demonstrated that obese children were more likely to exhibit flat feet than other non-obese children. Experts have identified two potential explanations for this phenomenon. First, obese children may simply have more fat padding on the bottoms of their feet. And second, obese children may have sunken arches because of the extra weight that they exert on their feet. If your child suffers from obesity and you believe that they may be exhibiting signs of flat feet, it may be wise to contact a podiatrist. A professional will be able to help you identify any problems with your child’s feet and develop a plan to address them.
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 Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Obesity is a common problem in American society. Approximately one third of the U.S. population is obese. Obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 30. Obesity has the power to affect different aspects of the body, and one of the most common problems it causes is foot pain. There have been many studies that found a connection between an increased BMI and foot problems. A simple activity such as walking up a flight of stairs can increase pressure on the ankle by four to six times.
Being overweight causes the body to compensate for the extra weight by changing the way it moves. Consequently, people who struggle with obesity commonly have arch problems in their feet. Obesity causes the arch to break by stretching the ligaments and tendons that hold the bones in the foot together. When the arch lowers, the foot may eventually fall flat. Collapsed foot arches fail to provide adequate shock absorption which eventually leads to foot pain. Other conditions that may be caused by flat feet are pronation, plantar fasciitis, weak ankles, and shin splints.
Foot problems that are caused by obesity may be treated by wearing proper footwear. Proper shoes will allow your feet to have better circulation around the arch and ankle. Additionally, those with obesity often discover that typical heel pain remedies are not effective for them. They will find that their plantar fascia is easily injured, and it is often inflamed. The best way to treat this problem is to implement lifestyle changes. A few good ways to improve your diet are to reduce calories, fill up on fruits and veggies, and to limit sugars.
Custom foot orthotics can prevent foot problems if you’re carrying excess weight or are trying to lose weight. The purpose of orthotics is to provide shock absorption to decrease the amount of stress on the joints to prevent arthritis.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Orthotics are defined as inserts that are placed inside of a shoe that may help with specific foot conditions. They can be prescribed for toe or foot deformities, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis. There are certain things to consider when determining if orthotics are right for you. These can consist of existing scar tissue in the foot, any foot deformities, and the patient’s activity level. An effective method to measure for custom-made orthotics includes taking a plastic mold of the patient’s feet and adding specific materials which may provide relief from existing pressure. After the orthotics are worn it is beneficial for the feet to be closely monitored. Problematic symptoms to look for include swelling, redness, or if a foot ulcer has formed. If you have a foot condition that is causing you pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively determine if orthotics are the right treatment for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle foot orthotics are shoe inserts that offer support to control the placement and movement of the ankle, correct deformities, and compensate for weakness. These inserts are used to stabilize the foot and ankle and provide toe clearance during the swing phase of gate.
Athletes often suffer foot problems because their feet are not being supported within the shoe. Ankle and foot orthotics are custom made inserts that alleviate stress on the foot. However custom orthotics should be prescribed by a podiatrist who specializes in customized footwear and orthotics design. These inserts are used by athletes for different reasons. Runners use orthotics to absorb shock at heel contact and to set up the forefoot for push-off. Basketball players wear them to control their forefeet while jumping and running.
The two main types of orthotics are over-the-counter orthotics and custom-made orthotics. To be eligible for custom orthotics, an examination of the foot and ankle will need to be completed. Afterward, both the foot and ankle will need to be casted and fitted for the proper orthotic. When the fitting process is complete, adjustments can be made to make sure everything fits perfectly.
Over the counter orthotics tend to be more popular than custom fit ones. Athletes who have less severe aches and pains in the foot, ankle or lower back area can use the over-the-counter version of orthotics. Unfortunately, over-the-counter orthotics tend to not work in treating severe injuries or ailments. Whenever you suspect you may need an ankle foot orthotic, you should consult with your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic is right for you.
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