As pickleball surges in popularity, especially among older adults, so does the incidence of injuries, with Achilles tendon ruptures topping the list. This fast-paced sport combines quick starts, sharp turns, and sudden stops, placing significant strain on the lower body. Older male players are particularly vulnerable due to reduced flexibility, weaker tendons, and a greater likelihood of prior wear-and-tear injuries. Overuse and inadequate warm-ups can further increase the risk of Achilles tendon damage, which often occurs during abrupt lunges or rapid changes in direction. Proper preparation, including stretching, strengthening exercises, and wearing supportive footwear, is imperative for minimizing injury risks. Taking rest days and listening to your body also play a vital role in prevention. If you have persistent lower limb pain or injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure prompt treatment and guidance.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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
Sustainable foot care focuses on practices that promote the long-term health of your feet while reducing environmental impact. It involves selecting footwear and products made from eco-friendly, durable materials that prioritize both comfort and sustainability. Opting for well-made shoes reduces waste by ensuring longevity while using biodegradable or recyclable insoles and foot care products minimizes environmental harm. Sustainable foot care also includes maintaining foot health to prevent avoidable complications. Regular foot hygiene, proper nail care, and attention to posture and gait all contribute to minimizing wear and tear on the feet. By caring for your feet responsibly and making conscious choices, you support not only your well-being but also the health of the planet. If you would like to learn more about this important topic and address any foot or ankle issues that you are experiencing, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. In more severe cases, the area may become infected, with pus or drainage present. The condition often affects the big toe and can make walking or wearing shoes difficult. The most common causes of ingrown toenails are improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or trauma to the toe. Other factors, such as poor foot hygiene, abnormal nail growth, or hereditary factors, can also contribute to the condition. Treatment options for ingrown toenails vary depending on severity. In mild cases, soaking the foot and properly trimming the nail may provide relief. In more severe or recurring cases, a podiatrist may need to perform a procedure to remove part of the nail or realign it to prevent future issues. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and effective treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
Bone spurs are bony growths that form along the edges of foot bones, often in areas where joints and ligaments meet. Heel spurs are a common type of bone spur, often causing pain and discomfort. They typically develop due to repetitive stress, aging, or conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or obesity. Over time, heel spurs can cause discomfort, particularly when they irritate nearby tissues. Common symptoms of heel spurs include pain, swelling, and inflammation, particularly when walking or standing for long periods. In some cases, certain types of bone spurs may not cause any symptoms and may only be discovered during an X-ray for another condition. Treatment for heel spurs may involve conservative measures like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure. In severe cases, targeted exercises or surgery may be necessary to remove the spur and restore function. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and help manage pain. If you are experiencing foot pain or suspect a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care plan.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
