Items filtered by date: November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

How Painful Is an Achilles Tendon Injury?

The Achilles tendon is located in the calf behind the heel, and is a band of tissue that connects the two together. While considered to be the strongest tendon in the body, it can still be prone to serious injury. Severe pain and discomfort often accompanies an Achilles tendon injury, and can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The injury can happen as a result of suddenly stepping off of a curb, or from frequently wearing high heels. Common symptoms that many patients experience with an Achilles tendon tear or rupture can include extreme tenderness, soreness, and difficulty walking. Relief may be found when the affected foot is rested, and it may help to wear a protective boot as the healing process occurs. Additionally, simple stretches can be performed which may help to strengthen the tendon. If you have endured an injury that affects the Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries
Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

How Are Heels Spurs Treated?

A small bone growth on the heel plate may be a heel spur. Heel spurs generally grow into the soft tissue of the foot, and often resemble a hook. Heel spurs can cause severe pain and discomfort. Traditional treatment methods can consist of performing gentle stretches which may help to loosen the surrounding tissue, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medications. Relief may be found when the affected foot is rested and custom-made orthotics are worn. Massage therapy may be an alternative treatment approach, and this may be done by performing circular motions on the arch and surrounding areas. If you are afflicted with a heel spur, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Monday, 16 November 2020 00:00

A Massage for Arch Pain

Foot massages can be relaxing, but did you know that they can also benefit your foot health? A foot massage can help stretch and relax the feet, leading to less foot pain. If you experience pain or tension in the arch of your foot, you may want to try an arch massage. This is done by holding the top of the foot in one hand and rubbing the length of the arch with the fingers of the other hand. Repeat this several times on each foot, going from the heel to the arch. For more information about the benefits of foot massage, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries
Wednesday, 11 November 2020 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

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.

Monday, 09 November 2020 00:00

An Overview of Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a deformity of the toes in which they bend downward at the joint in a claw-like position. This can cause pain and difficulty walking. Hammertoe is often the result of wearing shoes that are too small, tight, or narrow. To prevent this condition, you should wear shoes that fit properly, have a wide toe box, and do not have very high heels. There are many different treatments for hammertoe, including wearing soft insoles in your shoes or doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the toes. When left untreated, hammertoe can become progressively worse until you are unable to straighten the toes. In these cases, surgery to correct this deformity may be an option. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can find the right treatment for you. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Pronation and Finding the Right Running Shoe

Prior to choosing the right running shoe for you, there are several important factors to consider. One of these is the pronation of your foot. Pronation refers to the rolling of the foot from the heel to the toe when your foot strikes the ground while you walk. Ideally, your foot should strike the ground with the outside of the heel and move up to the ball of your foot evenly. People who have overpronation roll the foot too much towards the inside while they walk. People who have underpronation roll the foot too much to the outside while walking. Your gait pattern can help determine what the best running shoe for you looks like. For example, if you have overpronation, you may want to opt for a shoe that offers motion control and stability. For more information on how to pick the best running shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

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