Items filtered by date: August 2018

The symptoms associated with Achilles tendon injuries typically include intense pain in the bottom portion of the calf, and difficulty in pointing and flexing the foot. This particular type of injury may occur as a result of weakness in the ligaments and tendons in the lower leg, and this may be due to excessive strain. When the Achilles tendon remains strong, it can bear the force of running that may be equal to ten times the weight of the body. When a rupture occurs, the tendon weakens and is unable to bend the way it needs to in order to walk or run. Treatment options may include wearing a cast or boot to allow the tendon to heal on its own, or surgery for more severe Achilles tendon injuries. If you have incurred this type of injury, it’s important to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to receive proper diagnosis and information on the best treatments available.

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.

Years ago, gout was a condition that only the wealthy had to deal with. This is because the disease is often caused by an excessive intake of meat and alcohol, which only rich people could afford. This is because these foods are high in purines. Although the human body can produce purine on its own, eating purines creates something called uric acid. When the body has too much uric acid, gout starts to develop. The medical term for this occurrence is hyperuricemia. People who have gout should limit their purine intake, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you should eat more fruits and vegetables. Besides water, the best drink for people with gout is tea, because it breaks down purines quickly. Gout attacks can be painful. If you want to prevent them you should exercise on a daily basis. Exercising will help supply your joints with nutrients. If you are dealing with gout and need assistance on how to prevent gout attacks, it is best that you speak with your podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

If you stand for extended periods of time you may experience a condition that is referred to as cracked heels. Certain skin conditions that may include psoriasis and eczema may also play a significant role in the development of this condition. The formation of deep cracks, which are also known as fissures, may result in pain and discomfort, and walking may become difficult. The skin on the heels will typically become dry and is usually a result of obesity, wearing shoes that have an open back, and cold winter weather, which may aid in producing dry skin. An effective remedy includes washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by utilizing a good moisturizer that will help the skin become soft. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with severely cracked heels, to learn about proper treatment options that are correct for you.

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 Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you plan to be barefoot in public, you should make sure they look as healthy as possible. One of the best ways to achieve this is to exfoliate your feet to make them smooth and beautiful. Many people opt to do this by investing in a pumice stone to remove dead skin on their feet. The next thing you should do is ensure your feet are hydrated by applying a foot cream. If you want to have your feet professionally maintained, pedicures are a great way to do so. Salons are the ideal place to get your feet maintained in the summer, because nail professionals have the proper tools and skills to take care of your feet. If you want a natural nail color but still want your nails painted, you can try a light, flesh colored nail polish followed by a "mattifying" top coat. The result will give you natural looking nails that don’t appear to be painted. For any questions regarding foot care and maintenance, you shouldn't hesitate to contact your podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.