Why Is The Achilles So Sensitive?

While the Achilles is the body’s strongest tendon, it is also one of the most vulnerable. Spanning the calf and anchoring into the back of the heel, the Achilles is located on one of the most overused body parts. The foot handles extreme stress each day, sometimes accommodating the pressure of four times a person’s normal body weight during running activities. The Achilles also receives relatively poor blood supply, which leads to longer healing times when injured. The most common Achilles injury is tendonitis , an inflammation due to stress from excessive exercise, improper training, or high-heeled shoes. Tight calf muscles and biomechanical abnormalities can also strain the Achilles. Reducing activity levels when Achilles pain strikes may promote healing.

All the components of the leg and foot are designed to work together, sharing the tremendous pressures of day-to-day living. When they don’t work properly , or when one part like the Achilles tendon has to take on more than it’s fair share, it’s time to get help. The specialized care and treatment a podiatrist provides can make an important contribution to an individual’s total health. Call us at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY when pain plagues your every step.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. When Achilles pain persists for two weeks or more, seek podiatric care.

Heel Pain In Children

Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in the growing athlete. It is due to overuse and repetitive microtrauma of growth plates of the heel bone (called the calcaneus). Another name for Sever's disease is calcaneal apophysitis. Mostly seen in children ages 10-13, it is seen in children ranging in age from 7 through 15. During this time, the growth center of the heel bone is still open and children are often active in sports. Adults do not get Sever’s disease because their growth plates have closed. Unfortunately, adults still get heel pain but plantar fasciitis is usually the cause. Sever’s disease occurs more commonly in children who are tight in their Achilles tendon. You will see them walk on the balls of their feet and the heel hardly touches the floor when they walk.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness in the heel

• Difficulty participating in sports

• Limping

• Relief at rest

• Pain when running or jogging

Treatment

Elevating the heel may relieve some of the pain. Children who are active in sports and get heel pain should stretch their hamstrings and calf muscles 2-3 times daily. R.I.C.E may also help and no this is not the rice that we eat. R stands for rest, I is for ice, C is for compression and E is for elevation. Avoiding hard surfaces when running is highly recommended. If your child is having severe pain, an orthotic device may be needed. Surgery is generally not needed for Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease also may go away on its own once the bone is done healing. If your child constantly complains of heel pain after playing sports and you don’t know what to do see us today at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY.

Attention avid golfers

Are you ready for another season of birdies, pars and bogeys? If so, you should know about potentially serious foot problems that can result from years of playing the game.

Although golf is not considered a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeatedly swinging a golf club can lead to a condition known as hallux limitus, a jamming and deterioration of the big toe joint. The movement and weight transfer that occur during the swing's follow through can cause this problem and other chronic foot ailments.
When golfers follow through, they can overextend the big toe joint on their back foot. Those who have played the game for several years eventually can wear out the cartilage or jam the big toe joint. The likely outcome, if left untreated, is painful arthritis in the big toe, which would make it very difficult to continue playing.

If you have pain and swelling around the big toe joint or have less mobility in this area than other parts of the foot, schedule an appointment for an examination. A history of trauma to the big toe area and bone structure also can precipitate the condition. Individuals with a long first metatarsal bone (big toe), for example, are more susceptible to joint compression and hallux limitus. In most situations, orthotics can be prescribed to provide relief, but advanced cases may require surgery.

Check Those Golf Shoes!

Another foot problem that is common in golfers is a neuroma or pinched nerve at the bottom of the foot. The weight transfer to the front foot that occurs in the follow through applies pressure that, over time, can cause a pinched nerve. Wearing shoes that have a spike located directly beneath the ball of the foot can worsen the problem. Also, pressure from that single spike, magnified by the several thousand steps taken during an average round, can cause intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot. Your golf shoes can be made more foot-friendly, without sacrificing traction, simply by removing poorly located spikes.

For more information visit our website www.roanokefoot.com

Tis the season for foot fungus

We are enjoying the warmer temperatures and water activities are soon to be in full swing. While the activities are relaxing and cooling there are some little friends that you may not want to take home with you. Public pools are a great resource for recreation in communities but with the public use there can be increased incidence of contracting fungal infections. The public showers available can be a source of contracting fungal infections, most commonly, tinea pedis, aka athlete’s foot. It is important to take precautions while using public facilities. If using the shower facilities wear flip flops or water shoes that will prevent your feet coming into contact with the floor, also protect your feet when lounging pool side as well. Bacteria can hide anywhere and any break in your skin is a potential avenue for entry. Bacteria love the damp, warm environment that showers and locker rooms provide.
Athlete’s foot can be spread by direct contact and is characterized by skin peeling and itching on the soles and sides of the feet. There may also be scaling and redness. Other skin conditions can have the same symptoms so it is important to get the correct diagnosis. Using an over the counter medication, that is not sufficient can make the condition worse or not provide any relief. Once treated and symptoms relieved, remember athlete’s foot can return. So it is important to keep your feet clean and dry, do not wear anyone else’s shoes, and wear cotton or synthetic socks to absorb perspiration. If participating in outdoor activities, long runs or hiking, be sure to change your socks frequently to prevent an environment that encourages bacterial growth.
If you are experiencing a troublesome foot condition, contact your podiatrist for expert medical treatment. Be an advocate for your foot health.

For more information visit our website http://www.roanokefoot.com/