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The Achilles tendon plays a significant role in proper foot function. It is located in the back of the leg, and connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, in addition to participating in running and jumping activities. Damage or overuse of this tendon can cause severe pain and discomfort in the calf area, and daily movements may be difficult to complete. There are two types of tendonitis that can happen from an Achilles tendon injury. Insertional Achilles tendonitis happens in the area where the heel joins with the tendon. Small tears in the middle of the tendon can be classified as non-insertional Achilles tendonitis. If you have endured an injury, and feel you may have Achilles tendonitis, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

For people suffering with chronic plantar fasciitis which has not responded to traditional treatment, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy may be an option. Extracorporeal refers to something outside of the body, and in this case, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive alternative to surgery that may offer relief. In ESWT, ultrasound is used to find the location of the damage to the plantar fascia, and a calibrated current of shock waves is targeted directly into this area to facilitate the creation of new tissue cells and eventual healing. Contact a podiatrist to see if you may be a good candidate for ESWT.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Wearing the right shoe size can help protect your feet from a variety of foot related issues and injuries. Shoes should cushion and support the foot, feel comfortable, and fit properly. There are some important tips to remember to achieve the perfect fit. If you are participating in physical activities, it is important to purchase shoes that are made and designed for your type of activity, such as walking shoes, running shoes, or even hiking boots. Because our feet are at their largest towards the end of the day, it is suggested to have them measured in the afternoon or evening. Ask a sales person for help to ensure you use the brannock device correctly. Make sure the toes can be wiggled while wearing the shoes and it is also suggested to wear the socks you intend to wear with the shoes. Additionally, make sure the shoes are comfortable when walking around the store, and avoid shoes that are made with plastic or have a narrow toe box. If you have questions or need help making sure your shoes fit properly, please seek the advice of a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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