The Achilles tendon connects the heel with the two large muscles of the calf, allowing the bending and flexing of the feet. As the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon has the duty of raising the foot for walking, running, and other activities. In short, it is a workhorse. As a result, it is prone to overuse injuries. One of the main causes of Achilles tendonitis is overuse. This condition is especially prevalent among runners and other athletes who may do too much, too soon. Symptoms include inflammation, a crackling sound when the ankle is moved, swelling, and pain when walking uphill or climbing the stairs. In the acute form of Achilles tendonitis sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking will occur. With chronic Achilles tendonitis, symptoms like pain and difficulty walking may develop more slowly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms at the back of the heel, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist at your earliest convenience. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . 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 office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments and shin bones, which are located above the ankle. It is defined as the tearing or stretching of these ligaments, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, ankle stability may be affected from potential damage that can happen to the surrounding tendons and muscles. An ankle sprain can occur as a result of twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion, which can happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. People who have endured a high ankle sprain generally feel pain when the foot is flexed upward, such as in climbing the steps. The ankle can feel weak, and walking may be difficult. An X-ray is necessary to help determine if the ankle is sprained or fractured. The squeeze test is also an effective method of detecting a high ankle sprain, which is performed by squeezing the patient’s leg under the knee. If a high ankle sprain is present, it may cause pain to radiate down to the ankle. If you have experienced an ankle sprain, please contact a podiatrist who can begin an effective treatment method.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people experience various foot conditions during their lifetime, and this may be prevalent among elderly people. Reasons this can happen may include general weakness, a change in walking style, or balance difficulties. After many years of walking and standing, it is not surprising that seniors may develop unwanted foot conditions. These can include toenail disorders, bunions, hammertoe, and corns. The feet have fat pads that provide shock absorption to the body, and these may decrease as the aging process occurs. This can lead to forcing other parts of the foot to absorb the pressure which has no protection, causing pain and discomfort. Poor circulation is a common ailment among elderly people and can result in feet that become numb. It is beneficial for seniors to implement simple practices into their daily routines that can protect their feet. These can include washing and drying the feet, followed by looking at the soles of the feet in a mirror for existing cuts and scrapes. Wearing the proper shoes will allow the toes to have ample room to move freely, and this can help prevent bunions and hammertoe. If you would like more information about how to care for an elderly person’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An open wound on the foot can be painful. It is defined as a break or cut in the skin, and in most cases, is found on the surface of the skin. More serious wounds affect the deeper tissues of the foot, and this can spread to the tendons, muscles, and nerves. Minor cuts are often treated by cleaning the wound, followed by covering it with a protective bandage. Stitches may be necessary to accelerate the healing process, in addition to possibly using an adhesive glue. For more serious wounds, medical attention is often sought for relief. The wound may become dirty, and this is the term that is used when germs have entered the wound. This can lead to a possible infection, and recovery instructions must be strictly followed to prevent scarring. If you have a wound on your foot, it is urgently suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment for the type of foot wound you have.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.