Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation in the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, often the result of overuse or repetitive strain. A podiatrist may recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises to help relieve tension, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery. Calf stretches, such as the runner’s stretch or toe-to-wall stretch, can reduce tightness and ease strain on the Achilles tendon. Another useful stretch is the heel drop, which involves slowly lowering the heel below a step to gently lengthen the tendon. Once stretching is tolerated, strengthening exercises like seated heel raises and controlled resistance band movements may be introduced to reduce the likelihood of reinjury. These exercises aim to support the structures surrounding the Achilles tendon and protect it during activity. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition and determine if additional support, like custom orthotics or surgery, is needed. If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment, which may include targeted exercises.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. 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 our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Not every foot cut needs to be covered all the time. In some cases, letting a minor wound breathe can help it to heal faster. Small, clean cuts without signs of infection may benefit from short periods of air exposure, which can dry the surface and support natural healing. However, this only applies when the area is protected from dirt, pressure, and further injury. Cuts in moist areas or places that rub against shoes should usually stay covered to avoid irritation. If a wound is deep, bleeding heavily or shows redness, swelling, or drainage, it should be kept clean, protected, and watched closely. People with diabetes or poor circulation should always cover foot cuts to reduce the risk of infection. If a cut on your foot does not heal or becomes painful, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, usually occurs when tiny cracks in the nail or surrounding skin allow fungi to enter and grow. The most common types of toenail fungus include infections that start at the tip of the nail and move inward, infections that cause white patches across the surface, and infections that begin at the base of the nail and spread toward the tip. Symptoms include nails becoming thick, brittle, discolored, crumbly, or giving off an unpleasant odor. Risk factors for toenail fungus include older age, diabetes, poor circulation, and walking barefoot in public places like pool areas and gym locker rooms. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection by examining the infected toenail and testing a small sample, if needed. Treatment options generally start with antifungal medication, but in severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the infected nail. If you believe you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A shuffling gait is a walking pattern where a person takes small, dragging steps without lifting the feet fully off the ground. This abnormal gait can indicate underlying health conditions and often suggests issues with balance, coordination, or muscle control. One possible cause is ataxia, a neurological condition that impairs coordination and makes smooth walking difficult. Ataxia may result from damage to the cerebellum or other parts of the nervous system. Another related condition is foot drop, where weakness or paralysis in the muscles that lift the front of the foot causes dragging during walking. This can stem from nerve injuries or disorders affecting the muscles or spine. Identifying the cause of a shuffling gait is essential for effective treatment, improved mobility, and prevention of further complications. If you have a shuffling gait, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to monitor this condition.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition usually causes sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the underside of the heel bone, often resulting from chronic strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Although heel spurs may not always cause pain, when they do, the discomfort can feel similar to plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.