Achilles tendinopathy is a tendon-related condition involving irritation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This structure plays an important role in walking, running, and lifting the heel from the ground. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and stiffness that is frequently worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Individuals may also experience reduced movement and loss of strength in the lower leg. Causes may involve a sudden change in exercise level, prolonged time on the feet, or long periods of sedentary activity that weaken the tendon. Risk factors include tight calf muscles and repetitive strain. A podiatrist can evaluate tendon health and guide treatment. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & 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

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot can develop when excessive pressure is placed on the area beneath the toes. Common causes include repetitive exercise, running, and wearing shoes that are too tight. Morton's neuroma, bursitis, or a bunion that changes normal foot alignment may also play a role. Risk factors include high impact activities, poor footwear choices, foot structure changes, and prolonged standing or walking. Symptoms frequently include burning discomfort, tenderness, swelling, and increased pain during movement or weight bearing. Without proper care, this discomfort may interfere with daily activities and physical performance. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify the source of pain, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotic devices. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Functional ankle instability is a condition where the ankle repeatedly feels weak, unstable, or prone to giving way, often after previous sprains. Ongoing ankle pain can limit how well the joint moves, especially the up and down motion that is needed for walking and balance. When range of motion is reduced, nearby muscles may weaken because they are not used fully or correctly. This loss of strength can make it harder for the ankle to respond quickly during movement. Balance is also affected, since the ankle plays a major role in sensing position and adjusting to uneven surfaces. When pain, stiffness, and weakness combine, the risk of repeat injury increases. Treatment focuses on restoring motion, improving muscle strength, and retraining balance to improve stability. If ankle pain or repeated instability continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and targeted care.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Black toenails are common in runners, usually resulting from repeated trauma to a toenail inside the shoe. While running, the toes strike the front or roof of the toe box, especially on downhill routes or long distances. This can cause bleeding beneath the nail, called a subungual hematoma. The dried blood produces a dark red or black appearance and may loosen the nail over time. Improper shoe length or width, excessive movement within the shoe, and swelling from heat or high-mileage add to pressure on the nail plate. Certain toes, particularly the big and second toes, absorb the greatest impact. Less common causes include chronic ingrown nails, fungal infection, toe deformities, or rarely tumors that also create discoloration. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail bed, relieve pressure, and guide a safe return to running while preventing nail deformity. If you notice unusual coloration in the toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.