The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle, plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. To keep this vital tendon flexible and healthy, incorporating regular stretches into your routine is essential. One effective stretch is the calf stretch, which is done by standing while facing a wall, stepping one foot back, and leaning forward. The back leg remains straight with the heel on the ground. Another beneficial stretch is the seated calf stretch. This is accomplished by sitting with the legs extended, looping a towel around the ball of your foot, and gently pulling your toes towards you. Additionally, the downward dog yoga pose is fantastic for stretching the Achilles tendon. Remember to perform these stretches gradually and hold for approximately 20 to 30 seconds to enhance flexibility in addition to reducing the risk of developing an Achilles tendon injury. If you would like to learn more about stretches for the Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for additional conversation.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. 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 our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain occurs in a child when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint get stretched or torn, often due to a fall with the foot twisted onto its outer edge. When the fibula is affected, it may lead to a minor ankle fracture, which can be a break in the growth plate or a chip from the tip of the fibula. The symptoms of a minor ankle injury include difficulty walking, mild to severe pain, reduced ankle movement, swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the affected areas. Treatment for minor ankle injuries involves rest, compression, and elevation, and ankle braces or crutches may be used for support during the healing process. Pain management can be achieved with over-the-counter pain medications. A return to the child’s activities and sports is dependent on pain levels and the ability to perform without discomfort. If your child has a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a detailed examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

The feet are often taken for granted, and they are sometimes a part of the body that gets the least respect. The feet are most likely to get injured from absorbing the body’s weight. They are responsible for various things, including providing us with mobility and balance. Many people wear shoes that do not fit correctly, and part of a good everyday foot care routine is to choose shoes that fit well. The day can begin by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It is beneficial to alternate pairs of shoes worn each day, and this can provide an opportunity to air the shoes out. Additionally, limiting the time flip-flops are worn can help the arch of the foot. Women who are pregnant may find their feet become swollen, and relief may be found when the feet are frequently elevated. If you would like additional tips on everyday foot care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

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 DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. 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 our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Kohler disease is categorized as a rare foot condition. It is considered to be a bone disorder and can result from compression caused by stress during a critical growth period. A common symptom of this condition is a swollen foot, which can be painful. It may be especially sensitive in the arch of the foot, which can appear to be red. Children between the ages of 3 and 7 are generally affected by Kohler disease, and parents may notice their child is limping. Walking can be difficult, and this may be from an interruption of blood flow to one of the bones in the foot. Research has shown the exact cause of Kohler disease is not known, but some specialists speculate it can be related to an injury that may have occurred before the child was 2 years old. Many cases of Kohler disease will gradually resolve, and the time frame can depend on the severity of the symptoms. If your child has a swollen foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this rare foot condition.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.