The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the lower leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, which is done during routine activity. Having an Achilles tendon injury may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. An injury can cause this tendon to partially or completely tear and often causes severe pain and discomfort. It can happen for various reasons, including increasing speed and distance too quickly while running and not stretching properly before running or jogging. The Achilles tendon may gradually weaken when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly or if some weight has been gained. Recovery can take several months for complete healing, and wearing supportive shoes may help to accelerate this. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Care Specialists. 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 offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people are currently living with a condition known as rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, which is an inflammatory disease that attacks the joints. Individuals who have or are developing rheumatoid arthritis often experience certain symptoms that are highly indicative of the condition. For example, the joints in the body may ache, and more specifically, the ankles may be affected. Sometimes, the aching and pain can be symmetrical in the ankles, which means that both of the ankle joints may ache. Importantly, those whose ankles are affected by rheumatoid arthritis may also experience some amount of swelling in the ankle joints. If you think that you have rheumatoid arthritis and your ankles are being affected, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot massages are a popular form of foot therapy. They are effective in relieving stress and aches and pains. They can also help to increase overall well-being. There are several types of foot massages people can enjoy. Reflexology is a technique that uses pressure points that connect to specific areas of the body. A Swedish foot massage is considered the most relaxing type of massage, and can be effective in soothing tired feet at the end of the day. A deep-tissue foot massage applies intense pressure in certain areas of the foot, and it can help reduce injuries that are muscle related. Relaxation can be found when a hot stone foot massage is performed. The masseuses' hands are replaced by using hot stones that can soothe tired muscles. If you would like additional information about foot massages, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors 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 West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.