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The Achilles tendon is known to be the largest tendon in the body. It connects the heel to the calf muscles and is responsible for allowing the foot to point and flex. There are several symptoms patients notice if this tendon should become torn. These often include extreme pain in the back of the ankle, swelling, bruising, or a popping sound as the injury happens. It is common for the Achilles tendon to become weak as the aging process occurs, or if medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis exist . Additionally, this condition may occur if you fall unexpectedly or suddenly step off a curb. If you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you meet with a podiatrist who can discuss the best treatment options for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Frederick Quirante of Texas. 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 Nederland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning?

Research has indicated that one of the reasons elderly people develop uncomfortable foot conditions can come from a loss of cushioning in the feet. Additionally, as the aging process occurs, poor circulation is a common ailment among seniors. This can make it difficult for foot sores to heal properly. This condition may be remedied by sitting frequently throughout the day, and it is helpful to periodically stretch the feet. There are some foot conditions that can be avoided when the proper shoes are worn, and these often include corns, calluses, or bunions. Many elderly people develop athlete's foot, which is a contagious foot ailment. Wearing appropriate shoes while in public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas can help to prevent this uncomfortable foot condition. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you would like additional information about how to care for elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Frederick Quirante from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Corns and calluses are both forms of hardened skin that appear on the foot, but they are not the same condition. Neither condition is dangerous, but both can cause discomfort or irritation. Corns and calluses usually develop as a reaction to pressure or friction. Standing for long periods of time, sweating, and wearing ill-fitting shoes make one more prone to developing corns or calluses. Calluses and corns vary in where they are likely to appear and their shape. Calluses usually appear on the soles of the feet, while corns often occur on the non-weight bearing parts of the skin. Calluses can vary in shape, while corns are normally small, round, and defined. Corns are also more likely to be more painful than calluses. If you are experiencing pain with either corns or calluses, consult with a podiatrist about the best treatment option for you. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Frederick Quirante of Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) and are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the foot or ankle. Podiatrists are also specialists in preventing, diagnosing, and treating lower extremity disorders, diseases, and injuries. They are the only doctors to receive specialized medical and surgical training and board certification in caring for the lower extremities. Oftentimes, they are the first to detect conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease because the foot is one of the first places in the body to exhibit symptoms. These physicians can specialize in various areas such as surgery and public health. They can also practice specialties like sports medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, diabetic foot care, and more. If you are interested in learning more about podiatrists and what they do, then it would be beneficial to speak to an experienced podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Frederick Quirante from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Patients who have a type of neuropathy that is referred to as peripheral neuropathy may often notice a numbing or tingling sensation in their toes. As this condition worsens, there may be a burning pain that is felt, and this may be more noticeable at night. Additional symptoms may include weakened muscles or cramping, and balance and coordination may be affected. Research has shown there are three types of nerve groups, which may be distressed. Impulses that are sent from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles in the body are known as motor nerves. If damage to this group of nerves occurs, the result may be difficulty in walking. The function of the sensory nerves is to help people determine if an object is hot or cold, or rough or smooth. Tingling and numbness may happen if these nerves are affected by neuropathy. Additionally, the heart rate and blood pressure are controlled by autonomic nerves, and a patient who is afflicted with this type of neuropathy may experience dizziness or may have difficulty in swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward beginning the proper treatment.

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 Dr. Frederick Quirante from Texas. Our doctor 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 our office located in Nederland, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.