Items filtered by date: October 2022

The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles at the back of the ankle. Pain at this location of the leg and foot can be caused from a partial or complete tear, or rupture of the tendon or tendinitis (also known as tendinosis or tendinopathy). Achilles tendinitis can happen when the tendon becomes inflamed. There can be non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, where the fibers in the middle of the tendon become inflamed or insertional Achilles tendinitis, when the fibers in the lower tendon become inflamed. Achilles tendon pain can result in discomfort, swelling in the heel, stiffness in the legs and heel, and restriction of one’s movement. It can occur from excessive or repetitive stress on the ankles and feet. Those who play sports that involve rapid changes in direction or one who suddenly increases the intensity of their exercise are prone to such injuries. This pain can also come on from wearing inappropriate footwear, running on uneven surfaces, foot abnormalities, older age, or being overweight. If you have Achilles tendon pain, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat it.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Georgia Blue Foot and Ankle. 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 Douglasville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken bones in the ankle can occur due to an injury or a mishap. When there is a break in the ankle joint, the bones can separate into pieces. The tibia or fibula are often the most affected because they support the weight of the body. This type of fracture may cause severe discomfort while walking and may be difficult to do for several months. A broken ankle typically occurs from rolling or twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion, such as from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. Common symptoms that many people experience with an ankle fracture can include bruising, and swelling, and it can be tender when touched. An X-ray is generally performed which is successful in determining the extent of the fracture and can then be treated accordingly. There are several methods to treat a broken ankle, consisting of wearing a walking boot, having a cast put on, and elevating the affected foot as often as possible. If you have endured a fractured ankle, it is strongly advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can effectively access the foot and offer the best treatment options for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Georgia Blue Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that leads to pain and swelling in and around joints. It is much more common in adults but can affect children and teens as well. Gout affecting this younger age group is referred to as pediatric gout. With gout, excess uric acid in the blood builds up in the joints and forms sharp crystals to form in joints. The joints may become painful, swollen, and stiff. This condition usually starts in the big toe. Given how rare gout is in children, it is often thought to be from an underlying medical problem. This affliction can occur at birth or be associated with obesity, down syndrome, congenital heart disease, or kidney disease among other things. Male children experience a more sudden rise in uric acid levels at around age 12 compared to similarly aged females. This may be due to rising testosterone levels in males, which gives rise to increased uric acid. In contrast, rising estrogen levels in females cause an increase in uric acid removal. Increased uric acid levels may or may not lead to gout. If your child is complaining of big toe joint pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to see if gout is the culprit.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Georgia Blue Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Parents often hope for their newborn infant to have 10 fingers and toes. This hope is realized more often than not. The two most common foot deformities in newborns are metatarsus adductus and calcaneovalgus. Both conditions develop from how the baby’s feet have been positioned inside the uterus. Happily, these two problems usually improve on their own, without treatment. Metarsus adductus is a curve in the middle of the foot that happens when the feet are folded inward. The crookedness of the foot means how flexible it is and whether it can be straightened when pushed into its normal position. When the feet are stiff and do not correct themselves, they may benefit from casting, but this is usually not necessary. Calcaneovalgus is the opposite of metatarsus adductus. It is when the foot is pushed up and out. It may be difficult to point an infant’s foot down all the way. With both conditions, stretching the newborn's foot while feeding or during diaper changes could not hurt. If you are expecting a baby or are a parent of a newborn, consulting with a podiatrist can help deal with possible foot problems at birth, in addition to answering any questions you may have, and helping to ensure the health of your child’s feet.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Georgia Blue Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Douglasville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.