Items filtered by date: January 2021

Achilles tendon ruptures happen when the tendon on the back of the ankle is torn. They primarily occur during activities such as tennis and basketball, which involve pushing off of the ground or sprinting. While the Achilles tendon can tear and may be injured at any age, it most commonly occurs in patients who are in their 30s and 40s. Those who have poor flexibility, an inactive lifestyle, or who only occasionally work out are also at risk for ruptures. Ruptures are often indicated by sudden pain, a sense of being kicked in the back of the leg, a “popping” feeling, and weakness in the heel. Patients who have ruptured their Achilles tendon should consult with a podiatrist for treatment options. Surgery may be necessary to fix the tendon, but time, a cast, and physical therapy may also be used as treatment. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM of Active Feet Clinic. 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 Missoula, MT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists specialize in assessing and diagnosing issues related to the feet and ankles. These issues can include skin problems, toenail disorders, foot injuries, foot infections, and overuse injuries. Because diabetic patients are at a higher risk for foot related issues, podiatrists also specialize in helping these patients manage their problems. Elderly patients whose feet hinder their activities should be under the care of a podiatrist, as should children who are having foot problems, especially if these problems affect their ability to walk. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat sports related conditions such as sprains, fractures and overuse injuries. If you are struggling with any foot problem, visiting a podiatrist is highly suggested in order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

One of the most common forefoot issues is a bunion. This occurs when there is a bump on the inside of the foot near the big toe joint and the big toe begins moving towards, and potentially overlapping with, the smaller toes. Another type of bunion that can occur is a tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette. A tailor’s bunion occurs on the pinky toe. While bunions can form due to issues with foot function, such as arthritis, improperly fitting footwear tends to be the most common cause. Shoes that are too tight and squeeze the toes together generally lead the first metatarsal bone to protrude on the side of the foot. Because of this, wearing shoes with a wide toe box is usually recommended. Those who are suffering from a painful bunion should visit a podiatrist for proper treatment. Treatment options may include orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery may be suggested.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM of Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

An overuse injury can involve damage to bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments that is caused by repetitive stress on the affected structure over time. The feet and ankles are a frequent site of overuse injuries. Examples of overuse injuries include stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. These injuries are common among athletes and can be classified into four different stages based on how they affect you. In stage one, you may feel pain in the affected area after physical activity. In stage two, pain is felt in the affected area during the activity, but does not restrict your performance. In stage three, the pain does begin to affect your performance. At stage four, you may experience chronic pain in the affected area. Intervention is recommended at stage two. If you think that you may have an overuse injury in your feet or ankles, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM of Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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