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 Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. 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 one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

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.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care 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 Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.