Haglund's syndrome, often called a pump bump, is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This condition can lead to irritation of the surrounding tissues, often caused by pressure from wearing rigid shoes or high heels. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, high arches, and frequent wearing of poorly fitting footwear. Symptoms may include heel pain, swelling, redness, and a noticeable bump at the back of the foot. A podiatrist can help by recommending proper footwear, custom orthotics, and stretching exercises to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing heel pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to explore treatment options and prevent further irritation.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes, most commonly the second toe, bends abnormally at the middle joint, often creating a Z-shaped angle. A hammertoe may develop due to tendon imbalances, long toe bones, joint misalignment, or long-term use of wearing tight shoes. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be a contributing factor. People with hammertoe often experience pain when wearing shoes with a narrow toe box. Friction within the shoe can lead to the formation of corns, calluses, or even open sores on the top of the bent toe. Pain may also occur in the ball of the foot. After examining the hammertoe, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to reduce pressure and relieve discomfort. In cases where the toe deformity becomes rigid and painful, surgery may be considered to realign the joints in the toe. If you have a hammertoe deformity that is causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

A sudden rupture of the achilles tendon is a serious injury that can sometimes be linked to an ankle fracture. The achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and helps with walking, running, and jumping. When it tears, the force involved can be strong enough to stress the surrounding bones and joints. In certain cases, this trauma may cause small fractures near the ankle, especially if the foot is planted or twisted during the injury. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking are common signs of both injuries. Because the symptoms can overlap, imaging is often needed to confirm a fracture. Healing from both a rupture and a fracture may involve immobilization, targeted exercises, or surgery. If you experience a sudden pop in your heel followed by severe pain or swelling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.