A ruptured, or torn Achilles tendon is a serious injury that can significantly affect movement of the foot and ankle. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, which make walking, running, jumping, and standing on the toes possible. Achilles tendon ruptures often occur during sports that require sudden changes in direction or explosive leg movements, such as basketball, tennis, or soccer. A complete rupture typically causes a sharp pain in the back of the ankle, sometimes with a popping sound. This is followed by difficulty pointing the toes downward or bearing weight. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury through a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the extent of the tear. Surgery is often recommended for a full rupture to reattach the torn tendon, especially in younger or more active patients. After surgery, a podiatrist may use a cast or boot to immobilize the foot during healing. Prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of long-term weakness or re-injury. If you have torn or injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, the feet often experience changes that can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Elderly individuals frequently develop bunions, which are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with footwear. Thickened or discolored toenails are also common and may be caused by fungal infections or difficulty with proper nail care. Corns, which are areas of thickened skin from repeated pressure or friction, can lead to tenderness and a burning sensation. These foot problems may affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Symptoms such as aching, stiffness, or visible deformities should not be ignored. If you are elderly and notice any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

If you need your feet checked, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition is often seen in the big toe and can sometimes lead to infection. One of the key causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Other factors include wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes or injure the nail. Toenail thickening, often caused by fungal infections, can also increase the risk of ingrown nails by altering the shape of the nail and making it more likely to dig into the skin. Ingrown toenails may improve with care such as soaking and proper trimming, but severe cases require professional treatment. A podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail, treat any infection, and provide advice on proper nail care and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.