Tendons are bands of tissue that connect muscles and bones together. The Achilles tendon is located on the back of the ankle and connects the calf muscles to the heel. Tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed. Tendinosis occurs when the tendon degenerates, usually due to overuse. Paratenonitis is a result of tissue around the tendon becoming inflamed and thickened, eventually attaching to the tendon. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy happens when the fibers attaching to the heel bone inflame and eventually degenerate. Another serious injury that can happen is an Achilles tendon rupture, which will make walking and standing extremely difficult and will likely require surgery. Because of the seriousness of Achilles tendon injuries, seeing a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment is very important.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

People who enjoy hiking often experience blisters on their feet. The most common cause of this ailment is excess friction, and this often occurs from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Many hikers choose to wear boots, and it is helpful to break them in before beginning a hike. Wear the boots around your home or work with the socks you intend to hike with, and your feet will thank you later. Keeping the feet as dry as possible may also help in preventing blisters from developing. It is beneficial to pack extra socks, which can be swapped out immediately if the first pair becomes moist or wet. Please confer with a podiatrist if you would like additional tips on how to prevent blisters on the feet.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that causes the toes to bend downward may be referred to as hammertoe. The muscles and ligaments in the middle toes are generally affected, and can appear deformed. There are several reasons that may cause this ailment to develop. These can include having high arches, enduring a toe injury, genetics, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, existing medical conditions like arthritis may gradually cause hammertoe to develop. Research has indicated that it may be difficult for the toes to straighten out when hammertoe exists, and this may be a result of wearing shoes that are extremely pointed. Many patients experience pain and discomfort with hammertoe, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you the best treatment techniques.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the ankle, and are quite common among athletes. When you sprain your ankle, it is generally recommended that you avoid sports and other strenuous activities that put pressure on the affected ankle. Prior to returning to your typical activities, you will want your ankle sprain to be fully healed. Generally, this means that any swelling has gone down, you can bear weight on the affected ankle without limping, you have a full range of motion, your strength returns to normal, and your ankle is no longer causing you pain. You will also, of course, want to get permission from your doctor to return to your usual activities. For more information about ankle sprains and when to return to your normal routines, consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.