Items filtered by date: June 2018

The longest tendon in the body is referred to as the Achilles tendon. Its location lies in the back of the foot and its purpose is to connect the heel bone to the calf. Research has shown that it may become damaged or torn as a result of a sudden injury, and it’s advised to seek treatment as soon as possible. Typical symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture may include difficulty in standing on tiptoes in addition to bruising and swelling at the point of an injury. In order to obtain a proper diagnosis, a podiatrist may use a method referred to as the Thompson’s test. This involves squeezing the calf muscles while lying face down so movement in the ankle can be observed. For severe tears, surgery may be a necessary option as a permanent solution which may prevent the tendon from re-rupturing. For less severe tears, it may be advantageous to wear a brace or a cast so healing can commence. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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

• 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 Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you have diabetes, research has shown that minor cuts and scratches may take longer to heal than for non-diabetics. These types of seemingly insignificant wounds can result in serious infections if not treated promptly. One of the ways to alleviate this is to inspect the feet daily for any noticeable  cuts, blisters or swelling. For patients who have diabetic neuropathy there may be a loss of feeling in the feet, and unnoticed wounds may possibly result in foot ulcers, which may ultimately lead to amputation. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a process referred to as debridement, which is how dead tissue can be removed. Many podiatrists may recommend staying off the feet whenever possible in addition to wearing a boot that may help to take pressure off any wounds while walking or standing. Daily changing of any bandages on the wounds may aid in proper healing. Ingesting a healthy diet and keeping sugar levels within your target range may promote accelerated healing for foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet or fallen arches is the name given to a condition where the arch is absent from the foot. This is evident when the foot lies completely flat while standing. The foot may roll inward, which is often referred to as over-pronation. In addition to the 26 bones that comprise the foot, there are muscles, ligaments and tendons which work together to allow movement to occur. Daily activities such as standing and walking are easily achieved when a normal arch is present. There are several reasons that contribute in the development of flat feet including damaged tendons, arthritis, or from the additional weight the feet endure from being obese. Pain may often be experienced in patients who have flat feet, and this may occur in any part of the foot. If you feel you may have flat feet, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

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 Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is not uncommon for your baby’s feet to give off an unpleasant smell, and this is largely due to the socks they wear. The shoes and socks that infants wear often are not made of breathable material, which results in their feet becoming sweaty. Nevertheless, it would be unnecessary to put deodorant on your child’s feet. You should ensure that you are keeping your baby’s feet clean and dry; when you are inside, it is important to immediately take off your child’s shoes to air their feet out. Try to avoid giving your child socks that are not made from a natural material, since they will make his feet sweatier than usual.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.