Achilles tendon injuries are prevalent among people who engage in physical activities, from athletes to casual exercisers. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is critical for movements like standing on toes and propelling forward when walking or running. Common injuries include Achilles tendinopathy, which involves tiny tears from overuse and results in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. More severe Achilles tendon injuries, such as partial or complete tears, cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the foot down or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries through a physical exam, ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the injury's severity. Mild cases may be managed with rest and stretching exercises, while severe tears might require surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace. If you are experiencing pain resulting from an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. 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

• 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can arise from various conditions affecting the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the ankle joint. This complex joint, where the foot and leg meet, consists of three joints that facilitate both up-and-down and side-to-side movements. Ankle pain can stem from overuse injuries such as Achilles tendinitis or ruptures, which cause significant pain and limit mobility. Conditions like arthritis, gout, and bursitis also can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling in the ankle. Structural issues, such as bone spurs or fractures, often resulting from trauma or overuse, may cause acute or lingering discomfort. Swollen ankles, the result of fluid buildup, can occur from prolonged standing, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions. Wearing ill-fitting shoes and tarsal tunnel syndrome, where nerve compression leads to pain and tingling, also contribute to ankle pain. Symptoms can include throbbing, redness, numbness, and weakness. Through a series of tests, a podiatrist can accurately determine the underlying cause. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

For runners, incorporating effective stretches into their routine is vital for performance and injury prevention. The downward dog stretch provides a full-body stretch, focusing on the calves and hamstrings, which helps prevent Achilles tendon injuries. Ankle mobility heel lifts help in strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the ankles, vital for running stability. Besides stretching, wearing proper running shoes cannot be overstated as it ensures adequate support and reduces the risk of injury. It is also important for runners to ease into their routines gradually, allowing their bodies to adjust and build endurance safely. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot issues and guide you on effective running injury prevention techniques.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Playing pickleball presents several risk factors for foot injuries. The sport's quick lateral movements and sudden stops can strain the feet, leading to sprains or fractures. Wearing improper shoes without adequate support or cushioning increases the likelihood of issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Playing on hard surfaces intensifies impact on the feet and can contribute to stress fractures over time. Insufficient warm-up or lack of conditioning can make the feet more susceptible to injury during play. Overuse from frequent games without adequate rest can increase these risks, leading to chronic foot problems. Maintaining foot health requires wearing appropriate shoes, practicing good conditioning, warming up properly, and allowing time for recovery. If you have injured your foot and ankle while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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