Heel pain is one of the most common complaints a podiatrist hears about from patients. If you are dealing with heel pain above the heel bone then you could be dealing with Achilles Tendonitis, a result of overuse. The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and it serves to connect the muscles of the calf with the lower leg and heel bone.

While Achilles Tendonitis tends to occur most often in runners, this condition can still occur in athletes that play certain sports such as soccer or tennis. Unfortunately, this tendon does weaken as we get older, which makes at an increased risk for developing this overuse injury as we age.

What are the symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis?

The most obvious symptom of Achilles Tendonitis is pain above the heel bone. When the pain first appears it’s usually pretty mild and you may only notice it after running; however, over time you may notice that the pain gets worse after certain exercises. Along with pain you may also experience stiffness or tenderness in the heel, especially in the morning or after long periods of sitting.

When should I see a podiatrist?

If this is the first time that you’ve ever experienced heel pain then it’s a good idea to turn to a foot doctor who can determine whether Achilles Tendonitis is causing your symptoms or whether it’s something else. If you’re experiencing chronic heel pain around the Achilles tendon it’s also a good time to see a doctor. If the pain is severe or you are unable to put weight on your foot it’s possible that you might be dealing with a ruptured tendon, which requires immediate attention.

How do you treat Achilles Tendonitis?

In most cases, Achilles Tendonitis can be treated with simple self-care options. Unless symptoms are severe you may be able to treat your heel pain by:

• Taking over-the-counter pain medications
• Avoiding high-impact activities or activities that exacerbate symptoms
• Elevating the foot to reduce swelling
• Performing stretching exercises or undergoing physical therapy
• Icing the heel
• Wearing custom orthotics
• Replacing worn-out shoes, especially running shoes

Surgery is only necessary if your symptoms aren’t responding to any other nonsurgical treatment options after several months or if the tendon is torn.

If you think your heel pain could be the result of Achilles Tendonitis then it’s time to turn to a podiatrist as soon as possible. A podiatrist can provide you with a variety of treatment options, from simple lifestyle modifications to custom orthotics.

Athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin and is frequently seen in our office. Whether you've had it or not, it's important to understand how you can avoid and treat this highly contagious infection if you do contract it.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in damp, moist environments and often grows in warm, humid climates, such as locker rooms, showers and public pools; hence the name "athlete's foot. " This infection can itch and burn causing the skin on your feet and between your toes to crack and peel.

Tips For avoiding Athlete's Foot:

• Keep your feet dry, allowing them to air out as much as possible
• Wear socks that draw moisture away from your feet and change them frequently if you perspire heavily
• Wear light, well-ventilated shoes
• Alternate pairs of shoes, allowing time for your shoes to dry each day
• Always wear waterproof shoes in public areas, such as pools, locker rooms, or communal showers
• Never borrow shoes due to the risk of spreading a fungal infection

Treatment

A mild case of athlete's foot will generally clear up on its own with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. But since re-infection is common due to its contagious nature, many people require prescribed anti-fungal medication to effectively treat the infection. Generally, it's always best to consult with your podiatrist before choosing a treatment.

Mild cases of athlete's foot can turn severe and even cause a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your rash has become increasingly red, swollen and painful or you develop blisters and sores, call our office right away. Athlete's foot left untreated could eventually spread to other body parts and infect other people around you.

With the right treatment, you'll be cured of your athlete's foot in no time, which means the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without pain and irritation!

An ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls or twists to the point where a ligament inside stretches beyond its normal capacity. Ankle sprains are extremely common, with an estimated 25,000 sprains happening in the United States every day. Athletes and people who work outdoors or on uneven surfaces are at a higher risk for spraining their ankle. Regular wear of high-heeled shoes is also a risk factor.

Sprained ankles are diagnosed by degree; that is, the severity of the sprain and the symptoms it produces. Grade 1 sprains are the mildest, with minimal swelling and tenderness due to a slight ligament tear. Usually, Grade 1 sprains still allow for weight to be put on the ankle. Grade 2 sprains have a more significant injury to the ligament and, while walking may still be possible, it is painful. Grade 3 sprains are diagnosed when the affected ligament has sustained a complete tear and the ankle cannot bear weight. Grade 3 sprains typically display obvious bruising and swelling around the ankle.

The grade of an ankle sprain will determine the treatment. The tried-and-true RICE method - rest, ice, compression, and elevation - is usually sufficient for Grade 1 sprains. Refraining from walking, keeping the ankle elevated for the first two days, stabilizing the ankle with a compression dressing, and applying ice to reduce swelling helps the sprain resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. Grade 2 sprains also respond well to RICE treatment, although healing typically takes longer and a firmer immobilization device, like a splint, is typically recommended. Grade 3 sprains often require similar treatment used for ankle fractures; a cast or brace may be needed and surgery may be considered for some patients.

To ensure proper healing, it is important to follow the recommendations of your podiatrist. Attempting to return to normal activity too soon could result in a repeat injury or permanent ankle instability.

What is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoids are small bones that are only connected to tendons or surrounded in muscle. This only appears in a few places in the body, one of which is the foot. Two very tiny sesamoids are found in the underside of the foot near the big toe. One is on the outer side of the foot and the other bone is close to the middle of the foot. This structure provides a smooth surface for the tendons to slide over, which helps the tendons move muscles. They help with weight bearing and also help to elevate the bones of the big toe. So now that you know what sesamoids are, you might be wondering what sesamoiditis is and what its symptoms are.

Sesamoiditis

Just like any other bone, sesamoids can unfortunately fracture. The tendons surrounding the sesamoids may also become irritated or inflamed and this is what sesamoiditis is. Sesamoiditis is also a form of tendonitis and is a common condition among ballerinas, runners, and baseball catchers due to the pressure that is constantly placed on their feet.

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis may include:

• Pain under the big toe or ball of the foot
• Swelling and/or bruising
• Difficulty in bending and straightening the big toe

Foot-related disorders are often caused by lack of support and alignment in patients who spend a lot of time standing, walking, running, and lifting. A podiatrist can create custom orthotics for you to wear all day while working or when you’re exercising to give you the support that you need. If you’re having a problem with your feet, customized orthotic devices are available at Colorado Foot and Ankle in Colorado Springs, CO 

How Are Orthotics Made?
Unlike the orthotics you can buy at a retail store, a custom orthotic is perfectly shaped to match the exact shape and size of your foot. Your doctor takes a plaster mold of your feet to use as a model for the orthotic devices. It will be custom-designed to add support and flexibility where needed. After a couple of weeks, you’ll return to the office to retrieve your new orthotics and immediately begin wearing them. Your doctor may also recommend that you wear orthopedic shoes during your healing process for extra comfort.

What They Can Do for You
Orthotics can make your life easier by relieving constant foot pain and helping you to walk properly. They can also reduce the appearance and effect of foot deformities. Here are some of the foot conditions that can be corrected with custom orthotics made by your Colorado Springs, CO, podiatrist:

- Bunion deformities.
- Flat-footedness (fallen arches).
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
- Corns, calluses, and hammertoes.
- Ankle instability.

An Effective Non-Invasive Foot Therapy
If it is possible to correct a foot ailment without using surgery, that is the ideal course of action. You don’t have to worry about sedation or long weeks of recovery. By wearing a custom orthotic device, you can continue to participate in your usual activities while your feet are healing. Best of all, you can expect to finally feel some relief from pain in the feet, ankles, and even your lower back that’s caused by poor foot alignment and balance.

Get Help for Your Feet
It’s not always necessary to default to a surgical procedure to fix foot problems. See a podiatrist at Colorado Foot and Ankle in Colorado Springs, CO, for an evaluation and consultation. Call (719) 475-8080 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Gessner, Dr. Bryan Groth, or Dr. Jacob Fassman.