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Why Certain Heel and Foot Tendon Injuries Need Different Care

Pain along the back of the heel or through the foot is often blamed on a single tendon problem, but there are important differences that affect treatment. One condition commonly involves short-term irritation of a tendon, such as the Achilles tendon, often triggered by a sudden increase in walking, running, or standing. This type of injury is linked to inflammation and may improve with rest and activity changes. Another condition develops gradually and reflects long-standing wear within the tendon fibers themselves. In this situation, the tissue becomes weaker and less flexible, especially in the Achilles tendon or tendons supporting the arch. Treating both problems the same way can slow healing and prolong discomfort. Identifying which process is present helps guide appropriate care and recovery strategies. If heel or foot tendon pain persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full exam and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Managing Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are skin growths on the bottom of the foot caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters through tiny cuts or weak spots in the skin. They may appear as small, rough, grainy lesions that interrupt the normal lines of the skin, sometimes with tiny dark spots inside. Plantar warts can feel tender or painful while standing or walking, often creating a sensation similar to stepping on a pebble. Symptoms may include localized pressure, mild swelling, or discomfort that worsens with activity. Causes are often linked to walking barefoot in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms or around pools, as well as reduced immunity or repetitive foot stress. A podiatrist can start by evaluating the lesion, confirming the diagnosis, and ruling out other conditions like corns or calluses. Treatment options include topical therapies, debridement, or custom padding to relieve pressure. Because early professional care supports faster relief and prevents spreading, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Pain Related to Wearing High Heels

High-heeled shoes can alter foot posture and place stress on the feet and ankles. Elevating the heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure under the ball of the foot and compressing the toes. This change in alignment can strain joints, irritate nerves, and overload soft tissues that help stabilize the arch. Patients may notice burning pain beneath the forefoot, aching in the heel, stiffness through the mid-foot, or soreness around the ankle. A narrow toe box can crowd the toes, contributing to bunions, hammertoes, and possible ingrown toenails. A podiatrist evaluates gait, joint motion, and areas of pressure to identify the source of pain. Treatment options include padding, orthotic devices to redistribute load, and guidance on shoe choices. If you feel pain after wearing high-heeled shoes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Steps Toward More Comfortable Movement

Reliable mobility depends on feet that feel supported, flexible, and free of irritation. Caring for the skin, monitoring nail health, and selecting footwear that matches your activity level all play a role in keeping each step steady. Light stretching for the toes, heels, and ankles can enhance flexibility, while addressing small concerns early prevents soreness that may interrupt daily routines. Conditions such as calluses, cracked skin, fungal infections, and numbness can gradually make walking less comfortable if they are ignored. Many adults also benefit from routine foot evaluations, which help identify changes that may interfere with balance or endurance. When the feet stay comfortable, staying active becomes far easier. If you notice persistent discomfort or difficulty with walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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