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November 2024

Tuesday, 26 November 2024 00:00

Achilles Tendon Injuries in Young People

Achilles tendon injuries are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent populations but can require surgery in severe cases, such as complete ruptures or deep lacerations. These injuries can occur during sports or accidents, especially in active teens, although young tendons are typically resilient and heal well with conservative care. Surgery is usually reserved for complex or complete tears that cannot heal adequately on their own. Despite being rare, surgical repair generally has positive outcomes for young patients, with most regaining full function and mobility following rehabilitation. Recovery includes targeted exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of re-injury. If your child has incurred an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you have it evaluated by a podiatrist to determine the best course of action and ensure a safe, effective return to activity for the growing foot and tendon structure.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. 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 office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries
Tuesday, 19 November 2024 00:00

Hammertoe Anatomy and Treatment

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing a downward curve resembling a hammer. This misalignment often affects the second, third, or fourth toes and is caused by muscle or tendon imbalances, often due to genetics, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or conditions like arthritis. The bent toe can cause pain, swelling, corns, and calluses as it rubs against footwear, making daily activities uncomfortable. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoe. For mild cases, they may recommend conservative treatments like stretching exercises, wearing shoes with a spacious toe box, and using custom orthotics to relieve pressure. Toe splints or pads may also help realign the joint. In advanced cases, when pain persists or limits mobility, a podiatrist might suggest surgical correction to straighten the toe and restore function, offering lasting relief. If you have discomfort from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00

Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have become valuable in podiatric surgery, offering effective solutions for common foot and ankle conditions with less trauma than traditional methods. These procedures involve small incisions, often under five millimeters, and specialized instruments to address issues like bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs. By minimizing soft tissue disruption, minimally invasive surgery reduces postoperative pain, swelling, and the need for extensive recovery time, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner. These techniques are particularly beneficial for patients with underlying health conditions who may not be ideal candidates for open surgery. Using real-time imaging, podiatrists can accurately correct deformities and other structural issues with high precision. Additionally, the reduced risk of infection and scarring makes these procedures attractive for both patients and practitioners. If you are facing the possibility of foot surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to see if you are a candidate for this type of surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Read more about Foot and Ankle Surgery
Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00

Possible Causes of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain is a frequent complaint with various underlying causes, often resulting from injury or overuse. One of the most common causes is a sprained ankle, which occurs when the ligaments are overstretched or torn, usually from twisting the foot. Tendonitis, especially involving the Achilles tendon, can also cause significant pain due to inflammation from overuse or sudden increases in physical activity. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to chronic ankle pain, stiffness, and swelling. Stress fractures, tiny cracks in the ankle bones that can happen from repetitive activities or excessive weight-bearing, are another frequent culprit. Ankle impingement, where soft tissues become compressed, may cause pain, particularly with certain movements. Additionally, gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, can trigger sudden, intense ankle pain. If you have ankle pain that is not getting better, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. 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
  • 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 office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain
Monday, 04 November 2024 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

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