Achilles tendon injuries affect the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon helps the foot point downward and provides power when walking, running, or jumping. An injury can develop from repeated strain or a sudden increase in physical activity. A forceful movement can also cause the tendon to tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness near the back of the heel. Some patients notice tenderness along the tendon or difficulty pushing off the foot while walking. A severe tear may also cause sudden pain and make it difficult to stand on the toes of the affected foot. The type and severity of an Achilles tendon injury can affect how much movement and strength are lost.

A podiatrist evaluates an Achilles tendon injury by examining the back of the ankle and asking how the symptoms developed. An evaluation includes checking tenderness, ankle movement, and calf strength. The podiatrist also assesses how the patient stands and walks to identify changes caused by pain or weakness. Imaging provides more information about the tendon when a closer evaluation is appropriate. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. A podiatrist is able to use supportive devices to limit harmful movement while the tendon heals. Treatment also includes professionally guided exercises designed to restore flexibility and strength. Care will be adjusted according to the patient's progress and response to treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries could possibly affect balance and make normal movement difficult. Patients can change the way they walk to avoid pain, which can place extra stress on other areas of the foot or ankle. A podiatrist identifies these changes and develops a treatment plan focused on restoring function. Care can help reduce strain, improve movement, and support a safe return to normal activities. Regular evaluations allow the podiatrist to monitor healing and adjust treatment as strength improves. Proper treatment also addresses factors that contribute to repeated stress on the tendon. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Timothy Gauldin, DPM of Toe-tal Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the common causes of heel pain. It develops when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue along the foot, becomes irritated or damaged. This tissue connects the heel bone to the base of the toes and helps support the arch. It also acts like a shock absorber during walking and running. When the plantar fascia is repeatedly stressed, areas can develop inflammation and tissue changes. Pain is often strongest with the first steps after waking, or after sitting for a while.

Several factors can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Running, walking, or standing for long periods can place repeated stress on the plantar fascia. Wearing unsupportive shoes may also increase strain on the foot. Other risk factors include tight calf muscles, a high arch, and sudden increases in activity. Age can play a role as well, since the plantar fascia can become less flexible over time. Additionally, a change in activity level or training surface may also trigger symptoms.

The main symptom is usually a sharp or aching pain near the bottom of the heel. Discomfort may improve after moving around but return after prolonged activity or rest. A podiatrist will review your symptoms and examine your foot, ankle, and walking pattern. Imaging tests may be recommended when another condition needs to be ruled out. Treatment options include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, and other measures based on your needs. More persistent cases may require additional treatment options.

Understanding plantar fasciitis can help you recognize symptoms before heel pain interferes with daily activities. A podiatrist can identify contributing factors and create a treatment plan that supports healing and comfortable movement. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Timothy Gauldin, DPM from Toe-tal Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds can become serious when they do not move through the normal healing process. A wound that fails to heal properly over time is considered a chronic wound. Several types can affect the lower legs and feet, including diabetic, arterial, and pressure ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers often develop because nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain or repeated injury. Poor circulation can further interfere with healing. Chronic wounds require careful evaluation because their cause influences the type of treatment that may be needed.

Evaluating a non-healing foot wound involves more than examining the injured skin. Medical professionals consider the wound’s location, size, and depth. They may also evaluate drainage and the type of tissue within the wound. Blood flow is especially important because poor circulation can prevent damaged tissue from healing normally. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop on the toes or the bottom of the forefoot and may be surrounded by thick callused skin. Some wounds can extend into deeper tissues. Imaging may be needed when there is concern that an infection has reached the bone.

A podiatrist can evaluate a foot wound, identify factors interfering with healing, and determine an appropriate wound-care plan. Treatment depends on the type of wound and its underlying cause. Professional care may involve removing dead tissue, controlling infection, and selecting appropriate dressings. For diabetic foot ulcers, reducing pressure on the affected area is also an important part of treatment. A podiatrist can also evaluate circulation and nerve function to identify problems that may affect healing. Certain wounds may require coordinated treatment with vascular or other medical specialists. Early professional attention is important because chronic foot wounds can lead to deeper infection and other serious complications. If you have a foot wound that is not healing normally or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate wound-care treatment.

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 Timothy Gauldin, DPM from Toe-tal Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Skateboarding can be exciting and physically demanding, but repeated jumps and tricks can place considerable stress on the feet and ankles. The impact of landing on a skateboard or the ground can contribute to foot injuries, especially among children and young adults. Skateboarding injuries can range from bruises and cuts to more serious ankle sprains or fractures. Repetitive, forceful movements can also irritate tissues over time. Plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, may develop from repeated strain. Skateboarders may also experience Achilles tendonitis or stress fractures from continued pressure on the feet and ankles.

Some skateboarding injuries may be more serious than they first appear. An ankle sprain and a fracture can cause similar symptoms, making a professional diagnosis important. Being able to walk after an injury does not necessarily mean that a bone is not fractured. Cuts and abrasions also deserve attention, because damaged skin can become infected. Supportive footwear and protective equipment can help reduce some of the risks associated with skateboarding. However, persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking may indicate an injury that requires medical evaluation. Ignoring these warning signs could allow a foot or ankle problem to become more difficult to manage.

A podiatrist can examine sports-related foot and ankle injuries and determine the source of pain after a skateboarding accident. An evaluation can help distinguish between a sprain and fracture while identifying injuries caused by repeated impact. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. Proper diagnosis is especially important when symptoms continue after an injury or interfere with normal movement. A podiatrist can develop an appropriate treatment plan that supports recovery and helps protect long-term foot health. If skateboarding has caused ongoing foot pain, ankle pain, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Timothy Gauldin, DPM from Toe-tal Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.