The longest tendon in the body is referred to as the Achilles tendon. Its location lies in the back of the foot and its purpose is to connect the heel bone to the calf. Research has shown that it may become damaged or torn as a result of a sudden injury, and it’s advised to seek treatment as soon as possible. Typical symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture may include difficulty in standing on tiptoes in addition to bruising and swelling at the point of an injury. In order to obtain a proper diagnosis, a podiatrist may use a method referred to as the Thompson’s test. This involves squeezing the calf muscles while lying face down so movement in the ankle can be observed. For severe tears, surgery may be a necessary option as a permanent solution which may prevent the tendon from re-rupturing. For less severe tears, it may be advantageous to wear a brace or a cast so healing can commence. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. 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 office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body and it’s important to maintain strength by stretching and exercising the toes and ankles frequently. There are numerous ligaments and tendons that connect the bones in the feet to the calves and performing stretching techniques will benefit the overall health of the legs. Stiff ankles and feet may develop when the muscles are not strong enough to support the feet in daily activities. When certain stretches are practiced, the feet may become stronger. These may include circling your foot and then switching directions in addition to pointing and flexing the toes. Tight ankles may be avoided by performing stretches that strengthen the calves. This can be achieved by standing on the edge of a step while dropping the heel until a comfortable stretch is felt. Additionally, massaging the calves will not only feel good but may benefit in circulating blood to the legs. If you would like additional information about how to perform foot stretches, please call a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

There are many different signs that you may have an ingrown toenail. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may notice pain when you apply pressure to the area. Other symptoms include skin inflammation, fluid build-up, bleeding, or pus in the affected area. Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent ingrown toenails from developing in the future. It is advised to keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water. In addition, you try changing your socks on a regular basis. Another tip is to cut your toenails straight across to stop them from digging into the skin that surrounds them. Lastly, you should try wearing shoes that fit properly. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to treat an ingrown toenail. These surgeries are known as partial nail avulsion and total nail avulsion. In partial nail avulsion, part of the toenail is removed; in total nail avulsion, the whole toenail is removed. If you have any questions, concerns, or are experiencing any symptoms regarding ingrown toenails, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

While high heels are not the most comfortable shoes to wear, the desire to have the foot look flattering may be ideal in certain situations. The price to pay for this admired look may be the formation of blisters and pain that often form while wearing this type of shoe. An additional downfall of wearing high heels, may be a stress fracture or a serious ankle injury, and this may also affect the Achilles tendon. Research has shown that foot pain generally occurs after spending an hour in high heels. This is typically a result of the weight being distributed to the balls of the feet and may often extend to the toes. If high heels are chosen to be worn frequently and for a considerable amount of time, the Achilles tendon may become stiff, and this may result in difficulty with walking. Relief may be found by practicing proper stretching exercises, preferably several times per day. If you choose to wear high heels, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised to learn about how to stretch your feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The big toe is generally the first toe to be affected by toenail fungus. It’s considered to be a common foot ailment, and will typically affect half the population by the time people reach 70 years old. There are several symptoms that are indicative of this condition, including the nail appearing unusually thick and possibly yellow or white. This ailment may cause the nail to separate from the nail bed which is referred to as onycholysis. If the infection is mild, it may help to treat the area by thoroughly washing and filing the affected nail followed by utilizing a mentholated rubbing cream. For more severe infections, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can advise on how to properly treat toenail fungus. This advice may typically include information about oral or topical antifungal medications.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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