An Achilles tendon rupture is a sudden injury that affects the back of the ankle and makes it hard to push off the foot or rise onto the toes. The Achilles tendon can tear when the ankle bends upward as the calf tightens during a quick start, stop, or jump. People often feel sharp pain, swelling, or weakness. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury through a physical exam and explain care options. Non-surgical treatment places the foot in a protected position so the tendon can heal, and one advantage is that it avoids wound and infection risks. Surgery brings the torn ends together and offers the advantage of a faster return to activity and a lower chance of another rupture. Both approaches aim to restore strength and steady walking so the foot and ankle can function well again. If you believe you have torn your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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

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

Gardening shoes play a key role in keeping your feet safe and comfortable while you work outdoors. The best gardening shoes provide reliable comfort and support to reduce strain during long periods of standing, bending, and walking on uneven ground. Durability and protection are equally important, helping shield your feet from sharp tools, rocks, and moisture while withstanding regular outdoor wear. Versatility also matters, allowing the shoes to transition easily between tasks while still offering stability and traction. A podiatrist can recommend footwear that matches your foot structure and gardening needs, helping to prevent pain and injury. If your feet hurt while gardening, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, which may include guidance on wearing the right shoes.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Pain on the outer side of the foot, known as lateral foot pain, can result from a variety of conditions that affect the bones, tendons, and ligaments in this area. A common cause of lateral foot pain is peroneal tendonitis. This develops where the tendons running along the ankle and foot become inflamed due to overuse or injury. Ankle sprains are another frequent source, often occurring when the ankle twists inward. This action can cause tearing of the supporting ligaments and leads to swelling and instability. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal, sometimes called dancer’s fractures or Jones fractures, may arise from repetitive stress or acute trauma. A podiatrist can evaluate the exact cause of lateral foot pain, provide diagnostic imaging to confirm, and recommend the most effective treatment. If the outer side of your foot hurts, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Heel pain occurs when the structures that support the foot become strained or irritated. It often develops from repeated stress on the heel, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort with daily activities. Middle aged adults, active individuals, people who are overweight, and those who stand for long periods of time are at higher risk because their heels experience greater pressure. Symptoms include sharp pain when taking the first steps in the morning, aching after activity, or tenderness along the bottom or back of the heel. A podiatrist can identify the cause, ease inflammation, improve foot alignment, and create a personalized treatment plan. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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