An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury involving a complete tear of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is common in athletes and active individuals and can abruptly end athletic participation or even a professional career. This injury often results from overuse of the tendon, sudden increases in activity, or long-term degeneration that weakens the tendon over time. Symptoms may include a sudden sharp pain in the back of the leg, a popping sensation, swelling, bruising, weakness, and difficulty walking or pushing off the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, confirm the diagnosis, and guide appropriate treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical, to restore strength and function. If you have sudden Achilles pain or loss of function, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care promptly for effective treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing comfortable shoes is essential for employees in all professions, whether work involves standing, walking, or sitting for long periods of time. Proper footwear supports the feet, promotes good posture, and helps reduce strain on the joints and lower back. When shoes feel comfortable and sensible, employees are more likely to stay focused, energized, and productive throughout the day. Uncomfortable footwear can lead to fatigue, pain, and decreased performance over time. Comfortable shoes should offer supportive cushioning, stable soles, and a proper fit that allows natural movement. A podiatrist can help evaluate foot health, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide custom orthotics, when needed. If you have foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear while working.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes can affect the feet in many ways, often developing slowly and without obvious symptoms, at first. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of sensation. When you cannot feel pain or pressure normally, small injuries may go unnoticed and become more serious. Diabetes also affects circulation, reducing blood flow to the feet and making it harder for cuts, blisters, or sores to heal. Dry, cracked skin, thickened nails, calluses, and changes in foot shape can also occur as the disease progresses. One of the most serious complications is the development of foot ulcers, which can become infected, if not treated promptly. Regular foot checks, wearing proper footwear, and early intervention from a podiatrist can help prevent complications and protect long-term foot health. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for foot checks on a regular basis.

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 Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Getting a great fit in running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Proper toe fit allows toes to move freely without rubbing or crowding, reducing the risk of blisters and nail issues. Midfoot fit ensures the shoe supports the arch and prevents slipping, while a secure heel fit stabilizes the foot and minimizes friction that can lead to discomfort or injury. Shoe size and shape should match your foot structure and running style. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, identifying pressure points, recommending appropriate footwear, and suggesting custom orthotics, if needed. If running causes foot pain, discomfort, or frequent injuries, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.