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Achilles Tendon Injuries and What They Mean for Your Mobility

The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in walking, running, and pushing off the ground, which makes injuries to this structure both painful and limiting. Problems can occur from overuse, tight calf muscles, sudden increases in activity, or wearing improper footwear. Common conditions include tendonitis, which causes inflammation and soreness, and tendinosis, which involves gradual weakening of the tendon fibers. More severe achilles tendon injuries, such as partial tears or complete ruptures, may happen during explosive movements or sports activities. Symptoms often include sharp or aching pain along the back of the heel, stiffness in the morning, swelling, or difficulty rising onto the toes. Early care focuses on reducing strain through rest, stretching, and wearing supportive footwear. More advanced injuries may require immobilization, targeted exercises, or surgical correction. If you notice ongoing pain or difficulty with everyday movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Foot Pain From Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Foot pain often feels sharp, burning, or tingling and may radiate into the toes. Causes include repetitive pressure or irritation from tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms can include numbness, a feeling of a pebble in the shoe, swelling, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Risk factors include wearing narrow or pointed shoes, participating in high-impact sports, and having foot deformities such as bunions or flat feet. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, recommending footwear modifications, providing orthotics, performing conservative treatments, and, if needed, guiding advanced care. If you have developed toe or forefoot pain it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

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Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. This condition can affect people of all ages, from children to older adults. It often involves the big toe and can result from trimming the nails too short, rounding the edges, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support and crowd the toes. Repeated pressure from sports or activities that stress the toes may also cause the nail to grow incorrectly. Some people are born with curved or wide nails that naturally turn inward, increasing the likelihood of ingrowth. If left untreated, the area can become infected and make walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can remove the portion of the nail pressing into the skin, correct the nail shape, and provide guidance to prevent future issues. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

The Importance of Child Foot Care

Proper foot care during childhood supports healthy growth of the feet, toes, and ankles and helps guide normal movement as a child becomes more active. Babies and young children rely on flexible, developing bones and soft tissues that respond to pressure, footwear, and activity levels. Watching for changes such as inward or outward turning of the feet, persistent toe-walking, or frequent tripping can help identify concerns early. Shoes that lack adequate support, including flip-flops, can create problems if they are worn for long periods, especially once a child begins walking outdoors. Footwear should allow room for the toes to move and match the natural shape of the foot to reduce the risk of pain or deformity. A podiatrist can evaluate a child’s gait, identify early structural issues, and guide care when symptoms affect walking or activity. If your child is exhibiting foot or mobility problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
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