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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 one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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
Rupture Symptoms
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:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, Naples, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Ingrown toenails, a common foot issue, occur when the nail's edge grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. This condition often affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury. In cases where pain intensifies, or infection signs like pus and increased swelling appear, it is wise to consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist can assess the severity and recommend treatments based on individual needs. They may lift the nail to relieve pressure, or in more severe cases, remove part of the nail to prevent further issues. They might also suggest preventive measures, such as proper nail-cutting techniques, footwear advice, and orthotics if foot structure contributes to the problem. If you suffer from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you get prompt podiatric care to alleviate pain and help prevent recurring ingrown nails and potential infections.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, Naples, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Hammertoe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, often caused by imbalanced muscle or tendon forces, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes, which can lead to corns and calluses. When conservative treatments, such as orthotics or targeted exercises fail, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Two common types are fusion and tendon transfer. Fusion involves permanently joining the affected joint to correct the toe's position. Tendon transfer repositions the tendon to restore balance and function, allowing for better alignment. Recovery from hammertoe surgery varies, but patients typically need to wear a special boot and limit activity for an extented period of time. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help determine what the best surgical approach is for each individual case. If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment options, which may include surgery for relief.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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:
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:
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 offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, Naples, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
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 one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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:
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 offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, Naples, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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