The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps your foot push off when you walk, run, or climb stairs. An Achilles tendon injury can range from irritation and small tears to a complete rupture. One common warning sign of a serious injury is hearing or feeling a sudden pop near the back of the ankle. Pain may follow immediately, making it difficult to continue normal activity.

Other symptoms can include swelling around the tendon, tenderness, and weakness in the affected leg. Some people have trouble walking or cannot push off the ground normally. A partial tear may cause ongoing soreness that becomes worse with activity. Achilles tendon injuries often happen when the tendon is suddenly overloaded. Running, jumping, or changing direction quickly can place significant stress on the tendon. A direct injury can also cause damage.

Several factors can increase the risk of an Achilles tendon injury. Age-related changes can make the tendon less flexible and more vulnerable to tearing. Sudden increases in exercise intensity can also contribute. Tight calf muscles and previous tendon problems may raise risk. Wearing unsupportive footwear or participating in high-impact sports can add stress. Certain medications may also affect tendon strength. Recognizing these risks can help people take foot and ankle symptoms seriously.

A podiatrist will examine the ankle and check strength, movement, and tenderness. Imaging tests may be recommended when a tear is suspected. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the injury. A podiatrist may recommend rest, immobilization, or other measures that protect the tendon while it heals. More severe ruptures may require surgical evaluation. Recovery should be guided carefully to avoid reinjury. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle 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 office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus develops when fungi enter a nail through a crack or the surrounding skin. The infection can affect one toenail or spread to several nails. Early signs include white or yellow discoloration, thickening, and a brittle edge. The nail can develop ridges or begin to crumble. As the infection progresses, debris can collect beneath the nail, and the nail may lift from the nail bed. Some patients develop tenderness or pain when shoes press against a thickened nail. Toenail fungus is more than a cosmetic concern because discomfort can interfere with standing, exercise, and daily activities.

The infection is more likely to develop in feet that remain warm and damp. Risk also increases with repeated nail injuries, heavy sweating, or exposure in shared changing areas. Older adults and athletes can be more vulnerable. Diabetes, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system can also raise the risk. However, not every thick or discolored nail has a fungal infection. An injury, psoriasis, or another nail disorder can produce a similar appearance. A podiatrist may examine the nail and collect a clipping or scraping for testing. Confirming the cause prevents patients from spending time on treatment that is not suited to the problem.

A podiatrist can determine how much of the nail is affected and whether the surrounding skin is involved. Treatment depends on the number of infected nails, the depth of infection, and the patient’s health. The podiatrist can reduce nail thickness, remove loose areas, and monitor the new nail as it grows. Professional trimming can reduce pressure inside shoes and make walking more comfortable. Because toenails grow slowly, visible improvement can take several months even when treatment is working. Follow-up visits help the podiatrist check progress and look for signs that the infection may have returned. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Foot wounds require attention because a small wound can become a health concern. Pressure injuries on the feet develop when pressure limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and deeper tissues. They are more likely in patients who spend long periods in a bed or chair, have limited movement, or are weakened by illness. Bony areas of the foot are vulnerable because tissue can become trapped between bone and a firm surface. Diabetes, poor circulation, and reduced feeling can raise the risk and make a wound harder to notice.

Several forces can contribute to skin damage. Shearing happens when the skin stays in place while deeper tissue shifts, as when a patient slides down in a bed or chair. This movement squeezes blood vessels and becomes more damaging when combined with pressure. Friction from rubbing can weaken the skin, although friction alone does not cause a pressure injury. Excess moisture can also make skin fragile and more likely to break down. Poor nutrition slows the repair of damaged cells. Weight loss can reduce the natural padding that protects the bones of the feet.

A podiatrist can examine the wound, measure its depth, and check skin for infection. The evaluation also includes testing circulation and sensation in the feet. Treatment can include cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and applying a protective dressing. A podiatrist can reduce pressure on the affected area with padding, special shoes, or a custom device. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to track healing and adjust the treatment plan. Patients should seek prompt care for spreading redness, increasing swelling, or drainage. Fever, darkened tissue, or a bad odor can signal a serious problem. Early podiatric care can lower the risk of infection, deeper tissue damage, and limb loss. If you have symptoms of pressure injuries on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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