The long band of tissue at the back of the ankle, known as the Achilles tendon, allows the heel to lift when walking, running, or climbing stairs. When this tendon becomes irritated from overuse, Achilles tendinitis can develop, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling near the heel. If the tendon is repeatedly strained, the fibers can weaken, leading to degeneration called Achilles tendinosis. A sudden force to the foot or landing awkwardly from a jump can cause a tear, or rupture, which often produces sharp pain and makes it difficult to walk normally or stand on tiptoe. Risk of an Achilles tendon injury increases with running uphill, quick changes in direction, tight calf muscles, or wearing flip-flops or worn out shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, recommend supportive footwear, prescribe orthotics, or advise if surgery is necessary. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First 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

• 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 Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

High arches can place added stress on the feet because they sit higher off the ground and are not able to lower enough to absorb shock. This often makes the heel tilt inward, which can shift weight toward the outer edge of the foot and the base of the big toe. When this area takes too much pressure, pain can develop under the big toe joint, including irritation of the tiny sesamoid bones beneath it. The midfoot is usually stiff in people with high-arched feet, which forces the tendons along the outer ankle to work harder and raises the risk of irritation in that region. The inward tilt of the heel can also increase pressure on the inner side of the ankle joint. A podiatrist can evaluate foot shape, recommend shoes or inserts that provide adequate support, and discuss whether surgery is needed to solve the problem. If you have high arches that are causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Sever’s disease is a common condition that affects the heel of growing children, typically between the ages of 8 and fourteen. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from running, jumping, or participating in sports. Symptoms may include heel pain, walking on tip toes to avoid pressure, and difficulty engaging in sporting activities. Children may also experience swelling or tenderness at the back of the heel, which can worsen during physical activity. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose Sever’s disease, provide treatment to relieve pain, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and design stretching or strengthening exercises to reduce strain on the heel. If your child is experiencing heel discomfort or is having difficulty with sports, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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