August 2023

The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle, plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. To keep this vital tendon flexible and healthy, incorporating regular stretches into your routine is essential. One effective stretch is the calf stretch, which is done by standing while facing a wall, stepping one foot back, and leaning forward. The back leg remains straight with the heel on the ground. Another beneficial stretch is the seated calf stretch. This is accomplished by sitting with the legs extended, looping a towel around the ball of your foot, and gently pulling your toes towards you. Additionally, the downward dog yoga pose is fantastic for stretching the Achilles tendon. Remember to perform these stretches gradually and hold for approximately 20 to 30 seconds to enhance flexibility in addition to reducing the risk of developing an Achilles tendon injury. If you would like to learn more about stretches for the Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for additional conversation.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Improving ankle mobility is vital for overall flexibility and performance, whether you're an athlete or simply seeking better movement. Strengthening and stretching exercises can prevent injuries, enhance walking posture, and maintain strong knee and hip muscles while alleviating ankle pain. Beneficial exercises include ankle circles, single-leg balances, and toe raises. Ankle circles involve rotating your ankle on a rolled-up towel or foam roller in clockwise and counterclockwise circles. For single-leg balances, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms out to the sides, while lifting one foot off the ground. Toe raises require standing on a step on the balls of your feet, rising onto your toes, and lowering the foot below step level. These exercises promote better movement awareness, reduce the risk of ankle sprains, and establish a strong, stable foundation. For personalized guidance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to assess your feet and ankles and receive tailored 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 doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. 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 tendinitis
• 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Its main symptom is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the front of the foot to the heel. Plantar fasciitis affects approximately 2 million patients each year, with athletes and individuals between 40 to 60 years of age being the most susceptible. The heel pain can range from sharp to dull, often worsening after prolonged periods of standing or physical activity. Causes of plantar fasciitis include repetitive physical activity, foot arch issues, and increased body weight. If left untreated, heel pain can lead to difficulty in walking. Fortunately, plantar fasciitis can be treated with proper care. Stretching exercises can help to rehabilitate the plantar fascia, and wearing proper footwear with adequate arch support is crucial. In some cases, wearing a foot brace or night splint can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. A podiatrist may suggest steroid shots or injections, as well as other pain relief medication, and in extreme cases, surgery may be considered. For help with problems associated with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors  from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rough and cracked heels can cause discomfort and embarrassment. This can be a temporary condition as the causes and simple prevention tips are explored to achieve smooth, sandal-ready feet. Cracked heels can result from various factors, such as dry skin, lack of moisture, prolonged standing, and wearing open-back shoes. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid issues may exacerbate the problem. Maintaining proper hydration is important in the prevention of cracked heels. This can be done by drinking plenty of water daily and keeping the feet moisturized. A good foot cream is best applied after a bath or shower. Exfoliate gently by regularly removing dead skin with a pumice stone or foot file to prevent buildup. It is beneficial to opt for supportive and well-fitting shoes to minimize pressure on your heels. The feet can be pampered with occasional warm foot baths while adding a few drops of essential oils for added relaxation. By following these simple tips, you can bid farewell to cracked heels and welcome the joy of smooth feet. If you would like more information about prevention techniques for cracked heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a physician who treats disorders of the feet and ankles. These can include ailments such as tumors, fractures, and abnormal foot structures. This branch of medicine requires an extensive education, and qualified candidates will have the letters DPM, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, appear after their name once completed. The training begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in a podiatric school for four years. A residency program that takes three years to finish will begin after podiatric school is completed and can give the student experience in working in a hospital or clinic environment. A podiatrist can choose to work in a private office setting or may prefer to work in a hospital or an extended care facility. A podiatrist can have a flexible work week, and this can be a desirable factor in pursuing this field of medicine. If you are interested in becoming a podiatrist, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can address any questions and concerns you may have.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.