The function of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heel, and there are two common types of Achilles tendon injuries. Small tears that develop in the tendon from overuse are classified as Achilles tendinopathy and may also be referred to as Achilles tendonitis. If a complete tear occurs, it can indicate an Achilles tendon rupture which is often accompanied by intense pain and discomfort. The latter type of injury is caused by a sudden motion that puts stress on the calf muscle, such as twisting during an intense activity. People who enjoy participating in running and jumping activities can experience an Achilles tendon rupture, and many methods can be implemented can help to prevent this. Achilles tendinopathy can happen gradually from pushing off, or from stop and go motions. Resting the foot and stopping the activity that caused the injury is often the beginning of treatment. If you have either type of injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage the condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. 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 Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many runners experience stiffness in their ankles after running. This is a common side effect of the amount of force that passes through the ankle during a run. It can affect the range of motion and mobility of the ankle. In some cases, it may become difficult to bear weight and lead to limping. Studies have indicated that the faster you run, the more likely you are to develop ankle stiffness. Further, the way you run may affect the ankle as well. For example, a heel-first footstrike is more likely to contribute to ankle stiffness than a toe-first style of running. Other possible causes of ankle stiffness include a sprain, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. Lastly, check the wear and tear on your running shoes. It may be time to replace them, which is recommended by running experts between 350 and 500 miles. Shoes that lack ample support may contribute to ankle stiffness after running. For an examination and diagnosis to determine the cause of your ankle stiffness, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist before it gets worse. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor 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 our office located in Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet happen when the feet are flush with the ground. Sometimes flat feet can contribute to foot, ankle, or knee problems because they can alter leg alignment. Flat feet can be a result of overuse injuries, excess weight, a bone deformity, or a tendon tear or rupture. Sometimes flat feet are genetic. There are no gender differences for risk of flat feet. A person with flat feet may not be allowed in the military because spinal damage can happen to such a person when marching. Having flat feet can also cause overpronation in runners. Flat feet can also interfere with proper balance as body weight is unevenly distributed and present more of a risk for falling. Orthotics, braces, or insoles might help flat feet. If there is no pain, treatment for flat feet is not needed. If you have flat feet and they are causing discomfort, see a podiatrist who can examine your feet and provide options to address your symptoms.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. 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 Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sometimes during certain pregnancies, a baby may be overdue. This can cause the mother a significant amount of stress. A medical professional may recommend trying to induce labor in the pregnant woman by utilizing acupressure on pressure points on the body. One of these important pressure points actually is located on the feet. It is known as the Kunlun point. Specifically, the Kunlun point can be found in the depression point situated between the ankle and Achilles tendon. Performing acupressure on this point can be done to encourage labor and/or mitigate labor pain. Of course, acupressure might not be a good fit for every pregnant woman. It is always best to trust the advice of a medical professional. If you are pregnant or are planning to be, contact a podiatrist today.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

The feet need to be pampered, and regularly pampering the feet can be fun. Making your foot care routine a ritual of self-care and luxury can make you feel good while you take care of your feet. One step that you might consider incorporating into your everyday foot care is treating calluses. Calluses on the feet can be removed in several different ways. For example, foot creams, gels, and pumice stones can all be used to address the calluses on the feet. Other devices can be used to this end. Namely, patches, peels, and soaks can all be used to get rid of calluses on the feet. If you are someone that enjoys pampering their feet and also has a lot of calluses, please contact your podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to help you incorporate callus care into your daily foot care routine.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Individuals who suffer from diabetes often have to take extra special care of different parts of their body. This is because diabetes makes the human body suffer from nerve damage, among many different things. However, nerve damage in the feet is often one of the most serious effects of having diabetes. Due to the nerve damage in the feet, many diabetics might experience some loss of feeling in the feet. As a result, diabetics ought to take extra special care of their feet because this lack of feeling may result in unnoticed afflictions of the foot if not closely monitored. Diabetics can make a point of examining their feet to ensure that they are not missing any signs of a foot condition. For example, performing a simple foot examination can improve the extent to which an individual is monitoring and checking for signs of damage to their feet. If you suffer from diabetes, contact a podiatrist for help today. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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