Items filtered by date: September 2015
Reggie Bush Suffers Injury to Achilles Tendon
Early this NFL season we have seen many sidelining injuries, including Reggie Bush with a ruptured Achilles tendon. While commentators were not initially ready to commit to an injury report, the injury did occur during a game against the Vikings. Bush did appear to be in visible pain as he limped away with his head down and was helped back into the locker room. Although Bush could be out for the entire season, with an injury report he could come back to the field sooner if the injury is not deemed to be serious.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 cause severe 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 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Pregnant Woman Treated Poorly By Fellow Passenger on Train
Mhari-Claire Doolan had boarded a train to Manchester in late August when she found a businessman sitting in a seat she had already reserved. Doolan is 34 weeks pregnant with her first child. “I told him I had that seat booked and positioned myself so that he could see I was pregnant but he just ignored me,” she shared. “My back ached, my feet ached and I felt sick. I was in a lot of pain but luckily a seat eventually came free.” A spokesman for the train company stated, “We would expect our customers to be polite and courteous to their fellow passengers and are disappointed to learn of her experience during her journey with us.”
Pregnant women are susceptible to aching and swollen feet and should be treated with care. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, speak to one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.
What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.
How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar Fasciitis Occurs in More Women than Men
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, plantar fasciitis occurs more in females, those that are overweight, walking or standing often on the job, running or walking for exercise, and having tight calf muscles. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Although the condition can become chronic, most people know they have it when they feel pain at the heel during their first few steps in the morning. Applying ice, taking anti-inflammatories, stretching as well as taping the foot are all great ways to heal the injury. Surgery is typically used as a last resort.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions, please contact our office in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Many Arthritis Sufferers Turning to Acupuncture
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three Americans suffers from arthritis pain many of those being over the age of 50. Recently many people have been receiving acupuncture as a form of treatment for the disease. Popular in Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used when the energy in the body is blocked. Many have found acupuncture to be beneficial especially since the treatment can be modified to be unique to the individual's needs.
The feet are often common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, call one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can examine your lower extremities to help alleviate your joint pain.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.
