Items filtered by date: September 2019

Pitcher Joe Smith of the Houston Astros was facing a long and tough recovery when he ruptured the Achilles tendon in his right ankle last December. Instead of choosing to end his career, however, Smith took on rehabilitation after receiving surgery for the repair. Smith’s decision has proven to be the right one, as the player made his return to the field for the first time this year on July 14th, and he’s been strong and solid since. Smith has played 20 games for the Houston Astros since his return, and in those games, he’s allowed only three earned runs. The pitcher’s proven resilience has made him a key player for the Astros as they move forward. If you believe that you’ve experienced an Achilles tendon injury, consult with your podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Media and Glen Mills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Research has indicated that wearing shoes with heels can play a significant role in foot and ankle injuries. Wearing this type of shoe may cause joint pain, and this may be a result of the structure of the shoe. Bunions may develop gradually when the toes are squeezed into a pointed shoe that does not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, the back of the calf may be affected when high heels are frequently worn. Symptoms of this may include pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon. Ingrown toenails may develop when the toes are crammed together while wearing high heels. Falling may increase which may lead to ankle sprains or fractures. If you would like additional information about the effects of high heels on your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media and Glen Mills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as cracked heels occurs when the skin on the outer edge of the heel(s) becomes dry. Pressure is applied on the heels as a result of walking and standing, deep cracks, or fissures, may form on the skin. This typically causes pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to walk. Many people who experience this condition, find that it can develop from standing for extended periods of time, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, people may become aware of cracked heels beginning to develop if certain medical conditions exist. These can include psoriasis, dermatitis, and specific types of athlete’s foot. The skin may feel better when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. If you have this ailment, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can recommend proper treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media and Glen Mills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated patients who are obese may suffer from tendon damage in the feet and ankles. This may precede serious foot conditions. People who are obese may choose to wear shoes that have little or no support because they are easy to slip into, but these types of shoes can cause severe arch problems, and can lead to possible bone damage. Additionally, being excessively overweight can damage the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot. This connects the heel to the toes, and plantar fasciitis may develop if it becomes inflamed. Children may endure structural changes to the feet if they are overweight, and this may change the way they walk. If you have concerns about how obesity can affect the feet, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can answer any questions or concerns you may have.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media and Glen Mills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.