Items filtered by date: January 2025

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot, typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse. These fractures are common in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities such as running or jumping. The repetitive force placed on the bones can gradually lead to tiny fractures, often in the metatarsals. Overtraining, wearing poor footwear, and sudden increases in physical activity are common causes. Symptoms of a stress fracture include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity. Rest is the primary treatment for a foot stress fracture, along with avoiding activities that place stress on the foot. Additionally, elevating the foot can also aid in recovery. In more severe cases, a walking boot or crutches may be necessary to immobilize the foot and allow healing. If you think you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by repetitive strain, overuse, or sudden increases in activity, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Athletes, particularly runners and those involved in high-impact sports, are at higher risk of developing this condition. To prevent Achilles tendinopathy, focus should be on exercises that strengthen the calf muscles, improve flexibility, and increase overall ankle stability. Eccentric strengthening exercises, which involve lengthening the tendon while under tension, are particularly effective in building tendon resilience. Additionally, gradual increases in activity levels, proper warm-ups, and wearing appropriate footwear can help reduce the strain on the Achilles tendon. Regular stretching, foam rolling, and cross-training can also prevent imbalances and reduce the risk of tendinopathy. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you treatment and relief solutions that are right for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful condition that can lead to severe joint damage over time. When conservative treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes fail to manage symptoms, surgery may become necessary. One option is to remove tophi, deposits of uric acid crystals that form under the skin often around joints. Tophi removal can relieve pain and prevent further joint damage. In cases where the joint is severely damaged, joint fusion may be recommended. This procedure involves fusing the bones of the affected joint to eliminate pain and improve stability. Another surgical option is joint replacement, which involves removing and replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic. This is usually reserved for severe cases where joint function is significantly impaired. Gout surgery is typically considered when the condition causes chronic pain, deformity, or loss of function that nonsurgical methods cannot address. If you have painful gout episodes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss treatment options with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Foot and ankle injuries are common among skateboarders due to the high-impact and dynamic movements involved in the sport. One major cause of injury is inversion sprains, where the foot rolls outward, and eversion sprains, where the foot rolls inward. These sprains can vary in severity, ranging from grade 1, which involves mild stretching of ligaments, to grade 2, where ligaments are partially torn, and grade 3, which involves a complete ligament rupture. In addition to sprains, overuse injuries can occur from repetitive motions, such as pushing off or landing incorrectly, leading to stress fractures or tendinitis. Skateboarders may also suffer from ankle instability, which can increase the likelihood of sprains. If you enjoy skateboarding and have endured an injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and injury prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.