October 2022

The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles at the back of the ankle. Pain at this location of the leg and foot can be caused from a partial or complete tear, or rupture of the tendon or tendinitis (also known as tendinosis or tendinopathy). Achilles tendinitis can happen when the tendon becomes inflamed. There can be non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, where the fibers in the middle of the tendon become inflamed or insertional Achilles tendinitis, when the fibers in the lower tendon become inflamed. Achilles tendon pain can result in discomfort, swelling in the heel, stiffness in the legs and heel, and restriction of one’s movement. It can occur from excessive or repetitive stress on the ankles and feet. Those who play sports that involve rapid changes in direction or one who suddenly increases the intensity of their exercise are prone to such injuries. This pain can also come on from wearing inappropriate footwear, running on uneven surfaces, foot abnormalities, older age, or being overweight. If you have Achilles tendon pain, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat it.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics are worn inside shoes to correct various structural issues and treat medical conditions. Orthotics can be soft or rigid, both providing similar benefits. Soft orthotics are made with soft materials for extra cushioning. Rigid orthotics are made from harder materials, like carbon fiber or plastic. Orthotics can relieve foot and leg pain. Many symptoms requiring orthotics originate in the lower back and involve nerves that control function and movement in the legs and feet. Conditions causing foot and leg pain include a herniated disc, sleeping in an awkward position, or standing for prolonged times at work. Orthotics allow an individual to be able to maintain the correct alignment of the feet and legs, lessen pain, and prevent it from worsening. Orthotics can also help with managing minor foot deformities, absorbing shock from high-impact exercises, and correcting over-pronation, which is when the arch of the foot collapses inwards. If you think you might benefit from orthotics or want to know more about them, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a highly widespread form of heel pain that occurs when the band of tissues under the arch of the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. After contacting a podiatrist and receiving treatment for plantar fasciitis, there are several ways to gauge how you are recovering. First, it might be a sign that you are healing if the pain is starting to become localized instead of distributed throughout your foot and ankle. Additionally, pain from plantar fasciitis can be most pronounced when taking the first steps of the day. Therefore, if you notice reduced or diminished morning pain, this might be a sign that you are recovering. Lastly, you may be recovering from plantar fasciitis if you find that your normal range of motion in the feet and ankles is returning. Recovery times can vary from person to person. However, it commonly takes patients about six months to fully recover. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM  from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

The medical term for a foot doctor is a podiatrist. This is a doctor who specializes in various conditions involving the feet and ankles. People who are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry will need to earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of training in a podiatric medical school. Residency training begins after medical school and occurs in a hospital or clinic. There are different areas of foot medicine that podiatrists can choose to specialize in. These include wound care, surgery, diabetes, sports medicine, and more. Additionally, there are common everyday foot conditions like ingrown toenails, blisters, bunions, and fungal nails that podiatrists also treat. A podiatrist can prescribe medication to help with any foot or ankle ailment. If you are considering this type of career path, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is the correct choice for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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