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Achilles tendonitis - Total Foot and Ankle Clinic
03:21

Achilles tendonitis - Total Foot and Ankle Clinic

Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is a common condition, especially among athletes involved in sports that require repetitive jumping or running. Causes: Overuse: Engaging in intense physical activity without proper rest and recovery. Sudden Increase in Activity: Rapidly increasing the intensity or duration of physical exercise. Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes without proper support or with inadequate cushioning. Tight Calf Muscles: Lack of flexibility in the calf muscles can contribute to strain on the Achilles tendon. Age: Tendons lose elasticity with age, making them more prone to injury. Flat Feet or Overpronation: Structural issues in the feet can contribute to increased stress on the Achilles tendon. Symptoms: Pain: Pain along the back of the leg, near the heel, especially after physical activity. Stiffness: Stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Swelling: Swelling or tenderness in the affected area. Difficulty Walking: Walking or engaging in physical activity may be challenging due to pain. Diagnosis: A healthcare professional, often a podiatrist, may diagnose Achilles tendonitis through: Palpating the Achilles tendon and checking for tenderness or swelling, Physical Examination, Imaging Studies, X-rays or ultrasound to assess the extent of the inflammation and rule out other conditions. Treatment Options: Rest: Adequate rest to allow the tendon to heal. Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E.): Managing inflammation through these measures. Footwear and Orthotics: Supportive shoes and orthotic inserts to reduce strain on the tendon. Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the calf muscles and improve flexibility. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Morton's Neuroma - Ball of Foot Pain - Total Foot and Ankle Clinic
08:11

Morton's Neuroma - Ball of Foot Pain - Total Foot and Ankle Clinic

Morton's neuroma, also known as interdigital neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma, is a condition characterized by the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma is often painful and can feel like you're standing on a pebble or have a fold in your sock. ​ Here are some key points about Morton's neuroma: Causes: The exact cause is not always clear, but it is often associated with irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves leading to your toes. Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, which can compress the toes and the forefoot, may contribute to the development of Morton's neuroma. Symptoms: Common symptoms include pain or discomfort, often described as a burning or shooting pain, in the ball of the foot or at the base of the toes. Numbness or tingling may be felt in the affected toes. Symptoms may worsen over time and become more persistent. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms. Treatment: Conservative measures are often the first line of treatment and may include wearing wider shoes, using orthotic inserts, or padding to reduce pressure on the affected area. Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation. Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the foot muscles may be recommended.
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