The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the muscles in your calf to your heel. Injuries to this tissue can be common, especially among athletes. The typical symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can include pain down the back of your leg near your heel, pain that worsens with activity, stiffness or soreness in the Achilles tendon upon waking, pain in the tendon the day after exercising, swelling that worsens with activity, thickening of the tendon, bone spurs on the heel bone, and difficulty flexing the affected foot. If you are injured and hear a popping sound, followed by a sudden, sharp pain, this could be indicative of an Achilles tendon rupture. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet are common among babies. The arch generally develops at approximately age six, but flat feet can continue in ten percent of children through the teenage years. The noticeable signs your child may have flat feet often include stiff joints, the entire foot lying flat on the floor while standing, and possible pain while participating in sporting activities. There are patients who may develop arthritis from having flat feet, and this may be evident in the middle of the foot. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper management.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force rather than a sudden injury. These injuries often occur in athletes, runners, or anyone who increase activity levels too quickly without proper conditioning. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, and activities that put repeated pressure on the foot. Risk factors include osteoporosis, low bone density, and poor nutrition. Symptoms consist of pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort when bearing weight. Relief often involves rest, more supportive footwear, and avoiding high impact movements until healing occurs. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Ingrown toenails often linger when the nail continues to press into the skin at the side of the toe, usually affecting the big toe. This pressure can cause pain, swelling, and in more severe cases, infection. While mild cases may improve on their own, stubborn ingrown toenails often need professional care. A podiatrist can relieve discomfort by carefully trimming or removing part of the affected nail. When the condition returns repeatedly, surgery may be recommended to take away part or all of the toenail. Sometimes the root of the nail is removed to prevent it from growing back. These procedures are performed under local anesthetic and can significantly reduce the chance of recurrence. Healing may take several weeks, but most people find that symptoms improve soon after treatment. Prompt care is important to avoid infection and further complications. If you are experiencing the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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