Anyone who has experienced an Achilles tendon injury is all too familiar with the intense pain this condition can cause. This is considered to be the largest tendon in the body, and its function is to connect the calf muscles to the heel. It is responsible for pushing off while walking, running, and jumping, in addition to pointing and flexing the foot. Many patients have heel pain with this type of injury, and it can happen from overuse. People who increase speed and mileage too quickly while running may be prone to a partial or fully ruptured Achilles tendon. Additionally, it may happen from standing on uneven surfaces for most of the day, or possibly from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This may help to weaken the tendon, and may gradually lead to the development of this type of injury. The symptoms can include tenderness in the calf and heel area, and it is often difficult to walk. It typically takes several months for this type of injury to completely heal and lifestyle changes may need to occur to avoid stress on the Achilles tendon. If you suffer from an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment practices.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick of Illinois. 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
Rupture Symptoms
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:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Many people have professions that require standing for the majority of the day. This can wreak havoc on the feet and foot pain is often felt at the end of the day. The feet can become sore and swollen, and it is common to experience general muscle fatigue. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly and are also comfortable. It may help to stand on a stress mat as well. It is suggested to elevate the feet as often as possible during a break or while having lunch, and this can help to reduce strain on the joints, ligaments, and muscles. Additionally, when positions are shifted while standing, it may give one side of the body a chance to momentarily rest. Research has shown that work productivity is increased when the feet do not hurt and the overall body is more energetic. If you would like more information about how to work efficiently while standing, please ask a podiatrist who can address concerns and answer any questions you may have.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Anyone who wants to care for their feet properly ought to know how the foot functions. Being familiar with the biomechanics of the feet can be greatly informative and beneficial. One important thing to know about the human foot is that it contains different kinds of muscles. There are two different primary kinds of muscles in the foot, the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. Extrinsic muscles are responsible for movements such as the eversion, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion of the foot. By contrast, the intrinsic muscles are found on the inside of the foot. This particular kind of foot muscle is responsible for what we call fine motor movements, such as the movement of individual digits, or toes. The muscles of the feet each serve important roles in supporting the feet and protecting them. For more information, contact a podiatrist today.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick from Illinois. 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
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 offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
The condition that is known as pes planus, or flat feet, is common among babies. It is an ailment that most people are born with, and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. This condition can correct itself, as the muscles and soft tissues become stronger. A child’s foot is often examined by a podiatrist, who may be able to determine if there is an underlying cause. Some of these can include cerebral palsy, connective tissue disorders, or juvenile arthritis. There may be an abnormal foot structure that can cause flat feet, in addition to possible muscle or ligament damage. Additionally, adults who are overweight may have flat feet, as a result of the extra pressure the feet endure from completing daily activities. Many people who have this condition find it beneficial to perform specific stretches that may gradually improve flexibility and range of motion. If you or your child have flat feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns and answer questions you may have.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
