Items filtered by date: June 2024

An Achilles tendon tear, whether partial or complete, is a serious injury often caused by sudden, forceful movements during sports or activities. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty pointing the foot or standing on tiptoe. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tear. Partial tears can often be managed conservatively with immobilization using a cast, splint, brace, or walking boot. This is followed by a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and flexibility gradually. Complete tears typically require surgical intervention to reattach the tendon ends and ensure optimal healing. Following surgery, a thorough rehabilitation plan is essential to regain full function and reduce the risk of re-injury. If you suspect an Achilles tendon tear or experience symptoms like sudden pain and restricted movement, it is suggested that you seek an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and tailored treatment plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor foot circulation is a condition where blood flow to the feet is reduced, leading to various health issues. It often results in symptoms such as cold feet, numbness, and swelling. Common causes include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and prolonged inactivity. Smoking and high cholesterol levels can also contribute to this condition. Poor circulation can delay healing of wounds and increase the risk of infections due to inadequate blood supply. Regular exercise, such as walking or stretching, can improve circulation by stimulating blood flow. Wearing compression socks can also help manage symptoms by promoting venous return. Maintaining a healthy diet and managing underlying conditions is essential for preventing poor foot circulation. Having poor foot circulation can be uncomfortable, and the causes often need to be identified before starting treatment. If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition and offer appropriate relief solutions.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, or EPF, is a surgical procedure used to treat plantar fasciitis. This painful foot condition is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. During an EPF procedure, a small incision is made in the foot, and a thin, tube-like instrument called an endoscope is inserted to visualize the plantar fascia. Using specialized instruments, the podiatrist then cuts or releases the tight or damaged portion of the plantar fascia, relieving tension and reducing pain. Unlike traditional open surgery, EPF is minimally invasive and typically results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and smaller scars. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments, such as rest, orthotic devices, or steroid injections. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to a host of foot problems, with toe pain being a common issue. When shoes are too tight, they exert excessive pressure on the toes, causing conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. Conversely, shoes that are too loose fail to provide adequate support, leading to friction and the development of painful blisters and calluses. This constant pressure and friction can inflame the nerves and joints in the toes, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Toe pain from wearing ill-fitting shoes occurs because the unnatural positioning and restricted movement of the toes can lead to deformities and joint stress. The lack of proper arch support and cushioning further exacerbates these issues by altering the natural gait and increasing strain on the toes. To alleviate toe pain, it is essential to wear properly fitted shoes that offer adequate support and room for toe movement. If you have persistent problems with toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.