Blog

Facts About an Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear in the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This injury often occurs when the tendon experiences high stress or sudden force, such as during jumping, rapid acceleration, or intense physical activity. Symptoms can include a snapping sound, sharp pain in the back of the ankle, and aching in the lower leg that makes walking difficult. Many people also notice weakness or an inability to push off the foot. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the severity of the rupture, guiding proper treatment, and supporting recovery with specialized care. Early attention can prevent complications and promote better healing outcomes. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can restore strength, so you can return to activity with confidence.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 Debary, Lake Mary, and Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries

Gout and Management Tips From a Podiatrist

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in a joint, most commonly at the base of the big toe. It often begins suddenly and causes intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth that can make even light touch uncomfortable. Risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes, all of which can increase uric acid levels in the body. Gout attacks may recur if the underlying cause is not addressed. A podiatrist can evaluate the affected joint, confirm the diagnosis, and create a personalized plan that may include lifestyle guidance, footwear changes, and targeted treatments to reduce inflammation. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, and Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout

Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Impact on Your Feet

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often leading to weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet. It can develop from diabetes, certain cancer treatments, or an accident or injury that harms nerve function. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, loss of sensation, or difficulty walking due to reduced balance and coordination. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, provide protective footwear, treat related foot problems, and offer strategies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you are noticing unusual sensations or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose peripheral neuropathy, and offer you additional management tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, and Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy

What Is Cuboid Syndrome?

Cuboid syndrome is a condition in which the cuboid bone on the outer side of the foot becomes partially displaced, leading to pain and difficulty with movement. Symptoms may include sharp lateral foot pain, swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of instability during walking. Causes can involve overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive strain. Additionally, risk factors include high impact activities, wearing improper footwear, and flat feet. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a detailed examination, perform specific manipulations to realign the cuboid bone, and recommend supportive treatments that restore comfort and function. If you have persistent outer foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, and Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Cuboid Syndrome

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Connect With Us

scroll to top