Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
When the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon on the back of the ankle connecting the calf to the heel bone, becomes inflamed, Achilles tendonitis occurs. Achilles tendonitis may not come from any particular trauma, but instead, the pain gradually worsens over time. Most of the time, pain from Achilles tendonitis is worse in the morning and after long periods of rest, and the pain lessens throughout the day. The most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is over-pronation which is when the arch of the foot flattens upon bearing weight and puts stress on the tendon. Other factors that can lead to Achilles tendonitis include poorly fitting shoes, poor stretching, trauma or a shortened tendon. Patients who are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis should consult a podiatrist, because it can eventually lead to a painful rupture of the tendon.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave 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 our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Wearing the right shoes can help manage the symptoms of arthritis and maintain your mobility. The shoes you wear should fit properly and be comfortable. Box toed shoes, or shoes with a wide toe box, are beneficial as they give your toes space to move and don’t put excess pressure on them. Running shoes can also be helpful for symptom management as they are typically made of lightweight and comfortable materials and offer support for the foot. Your podiatrist may also suggest orthotic insoles that you can put in your shoes to relieve pressure and support your feet. If you are living with arthritis and would like more information about how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave 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
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 offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among those older than 65. In fact, one out of every 4 seniors will fall each year. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple things that can be done in order to prevent falls in the home. One step that can be done is to keep the floors at home clutter-free in order to avoid tripping. Installing grab bars in the bathrooms and handrails around staircases can help provide stability and prevent falls. One of the most important things that can be done to avoid falling is to consult with a podiatrist about any falls that you may have experienced, or for more professional advice on fall prevention. A podiatrist will be able to help check your feet and give advice on proper footwear that should be worn as well as review any medications that may make you dizzy or lead to instability.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An ankle sprain can occur when the ligaments, which connect the bones in the ankle, are partially torn. A high ankle sprain is a sprain that occurs in the upper ligaments of the ankle that connect to the tibia and fibula. Low ankle sprains happen when the ankle gets twisted towards the inside of the leg, and they tend to be much more common than high ankle sprains. High ankle sprains usually occur during high impact athletic activities and often coincide with a broken ankle or tears to the ligaments on the inside of the ankle. Because of this, the pain from a high ankle sprain can be felt in a variety of areas. Frequent signs of a high ankle sprain include pain above the ankle (between the tibia and fibula) and intense pain when ascending or descending the stairs (or any activity that involves flexing the ankle upwards). If you believe you have sprained your ankle, schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist right away to ensure proper healing.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
Heel fissures are cracks in the dry skin on a person’s heels. While they are often a cosmetic concern, they can also be painful. In severe cases, heel fissures can turn into deep cracks and even bleed, making it difficult to walk and raising the risk of infection. Cracked heels are also a serious concern for anyone with diabetes or a compromised immune system. Heel fissures have a variety of potential causes. These include wearing shoes with open backs, being overweight, living in a dry climate, or having other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. For more information about heel fissures and what can be done to prevent and treat them, please consult with a podiatrist.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist, and it can make daily activities like work and exercise almost impossible. One source of heel pain is heel bursitis. This can occur when either the bursa sac of fluid that attaches the Achilles tendon and the calcaneal tendon becomes inflamed (known as retrocalcaneal bursitis), or the padding under the heel begins to degenerate because of trauma (known as subcutaneous calcaneal bursitis). Heel pain can have a variety of causes and can affect anyone. If you are struggling with heel pain, consulting with a podiatrist can be extremely beneficial. A podiatrist will be able to properly diagnose and treat the source of the pain.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of each foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament is injured or inflamed, the result is usually heel and arch pain. One way to prevent or relieve tension and pain in the heel, arch, and sole of the foot is by stretching. To stretch the plantar fascia and relieve tightness under the foot, you can do a foot pull. Sit with one leg crossed over the other, then grab all of your toes and pull them as a unit back towards your shin, until you feel a pull in the bottom of your foot. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times. To massage the plantar fascia, roll a tennis ball forward and back with the bottom of your foot for 5-10 minutes a day. To learn more about plantar fascia stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetic patients are often aware of the link between foot problems and how their diabetes is managed. Complications can include a numbing sensation or tingling in the feet which may be the beginning of diabetic neuropathy. It may cause the inability to feel existing cuts, wounds, or bruises. If these ailments are left untreated, a diabetic ulcer may form, which may lead to amputation. Additionally, foot muscles may be affected in severely diabetic patients, which may change the alignment of the foot. Proper foot care management can begin with monitoring the glucose levels in the blood. A daily practice of good foot hygiene can consist of washing and drying the feet thoroughly, and special footwear may need to be worn. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to properly manage this condition, in addition to providing you with proper foot care advice.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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