May 2021

Some Achilles tendon injuries such as ruptures or tears may not respond to nonsurgical care. In some patients, surgery may be an option to repair the tendon and restore its functionality and strength. There are different methods a podiatric surgeon can use which may be performed as outpatient (same-day) surgery. While in recovery, it is important to follow your podiatrist’s instructions. Pain medicine may be suggested or prescribed during the first few days following the procedure. Crutches—and keeping your leg elevated as much as possible—will help keep weight off of your leg to reduce pain and swelling. When your stitches are ready to be removed, your podiatrist will fit you with a removable boot or cast. They will also assess when the time is right to start putting weight on your leg and how you can help strengthen your ankle and leg muscles. Full recovery may take weeks or months, depending on a variety of factors.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. 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 Peoria, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Injuries that happen as a result of falling is a common occurrence. They can be severe, and can cause broken bones in the feet, which can inhibit completing daily activities. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to prevent unnecessary falls. These can include performing simple stretches that can strengthen the body, and improving lighting in the living environment. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical examinations, as this is helpful in monitoring existing medications. Many patients have installed grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and using a bathmat can lessen the fear of falling while showering. If you would like more information about how falling can impact the feet, and effective preventive techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Kaveh Panahi, DPM from Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

People who work all day on their feet can experience throbbing, painful feet at the end of a shift. Along with putting your feet up during work breaks and standing on a cushioned mat, a few simple exercises after hours may help to alleviate the swelling and ease pain. Take your shoes and socks off and sit in a chair. Put a tennis ball on the floor and, using the bottom of your foot, press down and roll it around. Do this for a few minutes and then switch feet. For pain specifically on the bottom of the foot, stand up and lift your leg behind you. Place your toes down behind you and lightly push, feeling the stretch on the bottom of your foot. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other foot. To stretch your ankles, lay on your back and point your toes up towards the ceiling. Alternately point and flex your toes 10 times, and then gently roll your ankles in circles. You can schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and offer additional ways to support and protect your feet, and relieve any heel or ankle pain you may be experiencing.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM from Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

The feet and ankles can have a variety of issues that may lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, or stiffness. These injuries can be caused by simple wear and tear on the body as we age or from incidents like tripping or falling. While most injuries can be helped over time by staying active, there are a few key signs that the care of a podiatrist may be necessary. If there has been significant trauma from a situation such as a fall or a direct blow, a medical professional should examine the injury. Other signs that a podiatrist’s care may be necessary include a misshapen ankle or foot, a hot/tender feeling (especially in the calf), continuous pain, or an inability to bear weight on your legs or feet. Upon your visit, a podiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment method for your injury.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Kaveh Panahi, DPM from Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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