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The Achilles tendon, the body's largest tendon, is susceptible to injury due to its limited blood supply and exposure to various forces. Aging and increased activity, especially in sports involving speed, heighten the risk of Achilles tendon problems. These issues are becoming more common with the active aging population. Injuries can develop suddenly or gradually, often requiring extended healing periods. A thorough history and physical examination are necessary for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. The primary approach for treatment involves rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Additional interventions such as physical therapy, orthotics, or surgery may be necessary in severe cases. If you have Achilles tendon pain or an injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to your situation.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. 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
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 office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Losing a limb, particularly a lower extremity, is one of the greatest risks derived from diabetic foot ulcers. Preventing such a drastic outcome starts with undergoing an annual foot screening for those who have lost protective sensation in their feet. Next, experts believe that simple self-care techniques can allow patients to assume a certain amount of responsibility for their foot health. Knowledge of proper foot care and daily habits can go a long way in preserving limb health. This includes daily self-inspection. Regular and thorough self-examinations are critical for identifying early signs of foot injuries, calluses, or nail problems. By detecting issues such as blisters, redness, cracked skin, swelling, or abnormalities in their early stages, patients can prevent these problems from progressing into more severe conditions. Further, ill-fitting shoes that can make diabetic foot conditions worse include narrow-toed shoes, high heels, flip flops, or shoes that are too loose or tight. Timely intervention can help to prevent these issues from escalating into dire complications. If you are at risk for diabetic ulcers, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your medical team.
Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.
However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
There are many types of foot infections and they can be from a host of causes having to do with biomechanics of the feet and underlying health conditions. Patients with foot wounds often have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other metabolic conditions. However, foot infections can also result from traumatic injuries or tissue loss, leading to contamination by foreign materials and bacteria formation. Over time, treatment approaches to foot infections have evolved, influenced by advancements in pharmacology and medical technology with the goal of preserving limbs. Plastic and reconstructive procedures have revolutionized the management of certain foot infections. The primary objectives now include restoring functionality and significantly reducing the need for amputations. These developments represent a promising shift in the management of foot infections, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients facing these challenging conditions. If you have a foot infection or wound, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to determine the cause of the wound and the best way to deal with it.
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 Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
