Items filtered by date: May 2018

Tuesday, 29 May 2018 00:00

Howie Kendrick Tears Achilles Tendon

Washington Nationals infielder Howie Kendrick recently tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kendrick was seen walking on crutches while wearing a walking boot in the Nationals’ clubhouse after the game. This is expected to be a season-ending injury for Kendrick and he states, “I really knew there was something wrong with it because I couldn't control my heel at all, so that's when I knew it was probably my Achilles.” He was immediately placed on the 10-day disabled list and was replaced on the roster by right-hander Jefry Rodriguez from the Nationals’ Double-A affiliate in Harrisburg.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Bruening Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 21 May 2018 00:00

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

If you experience redness, itchiness, or blisters on the soles of the feet, you may have what is referred to as tinea pedis, or more commonly, athlete’s foot. It is caused by a fungal infection, and is can be extremely contagious. This type of fungus lives and thrives in moist places, and is commonly found in public showers, pools, and surrounding areas. It may affect the area between the toes in addition to the soles of the feet. There are several symptoms of athlete's foot that may be observed, including a rash that may appear, peeling skin on the soles of the feet, or an uncomfortable burning sensation. To prevent this condition from occurring it's suggested to wear appropriate shoes in public places, and to change your socks daily to avoid excessive perspiration between the toes. If you are experiencing chronic or severe athlete’s foot please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

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Monday, 14 May 2018 00:00

Causes of Flat Feet

If you hear the term “fallen arches” or “pronation of the feet”, it typically refers to a condition called flat feet. Most babies are born with flat feet, and proper arches generally develop as the child approaches adulthood.  If this condition is still evident as your child ages, you may notice specific symptoms including pain in the foot while they stand for long periods of time, or they may walk on the outer edges of their feet. Occasionally, this ailment can be caused by certain maladies such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or an injury to the foot. Additionally wearing improper footwear can be a reason for flat feet to develop, and genetic traits may be responsible for the formation of this condition. A proper diagnosis is typically performed by conducting a thorough examination of the feet, and this may include an analysis of the gait. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information if you or your child is afflicted by flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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When you decide to purchase a new pair of shoes, it’s important to have your feet properly measured. This can be achieved at the shoe store by using a measuring device designed specifically for determining the correct shoe size. If you have a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe often referred to as bunion, one foot may need a larger size shoe to accommodate this condition. Research has suggested the best time of day to have shoes fitted is when the feet are their largest, later in the day, which may often be due to normal swelling which typically occurs. There are numerous ailments that may result from poorly fitting shoes, including the formation of blisters and corns from wearing shoes that may be too tight. You may also possibly experience pain in the arches from choosing shoes that are too big. If you have questions and would like additional information on how to learn your correct shoe size, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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