Achilles tendon injuries are relatively common, particularly among athletes and active individuals. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is prone to strains and tears due to its role in walking, running, and jumping. Common causes of injury include sudden increases in physical activity, such as jumping or sprinting, and inadequate warm-up exercises. Risk factors for Achilles tendon injuries include age, as the tendon weakens with time, and conditions like obesity, which places extra stress on the tendon. Individuals with poor flexibility or muscle imbalances are also at a higher risk. Wearing inappropriate footwear or having a history of previous tendon injuries can further increase susceptibility. An Achilles tendon injury can cause extreme pain and discomfort. If you have sustained this type of injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. 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 Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture, often referred to as a hairline fracture, is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. This type of injury typically occurs in the metatarsals, the long bones in the middle of the foot. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. The pain may initially be mild but can intensify with continued use. Stress fractures are often caused by activities that involve high-impact or repetitive force, such as running or jumping. Factors such as sudden increases in activity, improper footwear, and having inadequate bone strength can contribute to their development. A stress fracture that occurs in the foot can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this type of injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Ankle pain is a common issue among runners, often caused by several factors related to running dynamics. The pain can stem from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or poor running form. Repeated stress and impact during running can lead to inflammation of tendons or ligaments, resulting in discomfort. Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support or cushioning may also contribute to ankle pain. To prevent these issues, choose an appropriate pair of running shoes designed for your foot type and running style. Strengthening exercises for the ankles and proper stretching can improve flexibility and stability. Additionally, incorporating rest days into your training routine allows your body to recover and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. If you have ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat it and offer additional running injury prevention methods.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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