Achilles tendon injuries are prevalent among people who engage in physical activities, from athletes to casual exercisers. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is critical for movements like standing on toes and propelling forward when walking or running. Common injuries include Achilles tendinopathy, which involves tiny tears from overuse and results in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. More severe Achilles tendon injuries, such as partial or complete tears, cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the foot down or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries through a physical exam, ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the injury's severity. Mild cases may be managed with rest and stretching exercises, while severe tears might require surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace. If you are experiencing pain resulting from an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate towards the other toes. They appear as swollen, protruding lumps on the side of the foot and can be red and tender. The condition can cause significant discomfort, including pain, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe. Bunions often develop due to inherited foot structure, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or excessive stress on the feet. High heels and pointed shoes are common culprits in exacerbating bunions. Symptoms typically include pain, especially while walking, and inflammation surrounding the affected joint. Treatment for bunions ranges from conservative measures to surgery. Wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help to alleviate symptoms. Orthotic devices may help correct foot alignment. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bone and relieve pain. Untreated bunions can lead to complications such as bursitis or hammertoes. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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.
Stretches are essential for maintaining healthy, flexible ankles, which play a pivotal role in overall foot and knee health. Performing ankle stretches can enhance joint mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities and reducing the risk of injuries, particularly during exercise or sports. A variety of effective ankle stretches can be easily incorporated into your routine. For instance, while seated on a chair or floor, you can stretch your ankles by pointing your toes away from and then towards your body, holding each position for about 20 seconds and repeating five to ten times. Another beneficial stretch involves rotating the ankle, which helps to loosen the joint. Additionally, inversion and eversion stretches, where you turn your foot inward and outward, can significantly improve ankle flexibility. Incorporating dynamic movements like jumping and hopping after static stretching further prepares your ankles for more intense physical activity. Stretching the ankle muscles not only helps to prevent injuries but also optimizes performance by enhancing muscle elasticity and power. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Achilles tendon injuries are prevalent among people who engage in physical activities, from athletes to casual exercisers. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is critical for movements like standing on toes and propelling forward when walking or running. Common injuries include Achilles tendinopathy, which involves tiny tears from overuse and results in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. More severe Achilles tendon injuries, such as partial or complete tears, cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the foot down or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries through a physical exam, ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the injury's severity. Mild cases may be managed with rest and stretching exercises, while severe tears might require surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace. If you are experiencing pain resulting from an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate towards the other toes. They appear as swollen, protruding lumps on the side of the foot and can be red and tender. The condition can cause significant discomfort, including pain, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe. Bunions often develop due to inherited foot structure, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or excessive stress on the feet. High heels and pointed shoes are common culprits in exacerbating bunions. Symptoms typically include pain, especially while walking, and inflammation surrounding the affected joint. Treatment for bunions ranges from conservative measures to surgery. Wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help to alleviate symptoms. Orthotic devices may help correct foot alignment. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bone and relieve pain. Untreated bunions can lead to complications such as bursitis or hammertoes. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 
Stretches are essential for maintaining healthy, flexible ankles, which play a pivotal role in overall foot and knee health. Performing ankle stretches can enhance joint mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities and reducing the risk of injuries, particularly during exercise or sports. A variety of effective ankle stretches can be easily incorporated into your routine. For instance, while seated on a chair or floor, you can stretch your ankles by pointing your toes away from and then towards your body, holding each position for about 20 seconds and repeating five to ten times. Another beneficial stretch involves rotating the ankle, which helps to loosen the joint. Additionally, inversion and eversion stretches, where you turn your foot inward and outward, can significantly improve ankle flexibility. Incorporating dynamic movements like jumping and hopping after static stretching further prepares your ankles for more intense physical activity. Stretching the ankle muscles not only helps to prevent injuries but also optimizes performance by enhancing muscle elasticity and power. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.