Kyle Blanks of the Texas Rangers has reportedly undergone surgery for his right foot and will soon have surgery done on his left foot as well. The first baseman missed a large chunk of this season due to Achilles issues that affected him toward the end of 2014. Blanks has been on and off the disabled list and currently remains on it due to his surgeries. Unfortunately, due to his injuries Blanks will become a free agent at the end of the season. If surgery goes well, it is likely he will try to make a comeback next year.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary. If you are struggling with a foot or ankle condition, talk to one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat 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 help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• 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 California. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sean Weatherspoon of the Atlanta Falcons has ended his 2014 season early as a result of a ruptured Achilles tendon. According to a team statement by Falcons coach Mike Smith, “We sent Sean to the doctor for some additional testing and evaluation and unfortunately the results showed that he ruptured his Achilles tendon.” Since the average recovery time for a ruptured Achilles injuries generally ranges from six months up to a year.

“Sean had been working extremely hard to get back on the field, but regrettably he will miss the entire 2014 season. He will have a procedure done in the near future and we expect him to make a full recovery.” Smith added.  Hopefully, Weatherspoon will be back by next year.

Achilles tendon injuries are very painful.  If you suffered an injury to your Achilles tendon, see podiatrist Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein can treat your foot and ankle injuries.

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 cause severe 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 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. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Asjha Jones, a WNBA player for the Connecticut Sun, has ruptured one of her Achilles tendons and won’t be able to play for the upcoming basketball season. The injury occurred during a game she was playing in in Russia.

This is the second season Jones has had to miss in a row due to disability. “We are saddened to hear of Asjha’s injury,” said Chris Sienko, Vice President and General Manager of the Sun. “...However, we know Asjha to be strong and determined and hopefully she will be afforded another opportunity to play the game she loves in the future.”

Achilles tendon injuries need special time and care to heal properly. If you are experiencing pain in your tendon, visit a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein can take a look at your injury and provide you with an array of options to help you recover.

Facts to Know about Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. Since this tendon is important to walking and movement, any injuries inflicted to this tissue should be immediately brought up with your podiatrist to prevent further damage.

What Are the Most Common Injuries to the Achilles Tendon?

Tendon Ruptures:One may hear a popping or snapping sound if their Achilles tendon ruptures.  Symptoms are swelling, pain, and difficulty walking or bending the foot forward. There are surgical and non-surgical procedures available, and depending on the treatment you take, recovery can last up to a year from treatment.

Achilles tendinitis:Achilles tendinitis is the milder of the two injuries, and can be recognized by the following symptoms: inflammation, dull to severe pain, an increased flow of blood to the tendon, portions of the tendon growing in thickness, and a slower movement time. Tendinitis can be treated in many different ways and is often diagnosed by an MRI.

How Can I Avoid Injuries?

• Stretch before exercising, running or walking
• Calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and using the leg press
• Work out on a floor that is cushioned to relieve pressure on your heels.

If you have any questions, feel free to call one of our offices in San Leandro, CA, Pleasonton, CA, or Los Gatos, CA. We offer the best in diagnostic and treatment technology for any complication you might have.

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According to research by Foot and Ankle International Journal, people who participate in casual activities have a higher risk of injuring their achilles tendon than professional athletes.

Research found 400 men in the study who hurt their Achilles damaged it because of recreational sports. Although athletes injure themselves frequently, it is less likely to happen with them than it is with people in recreational activities due to stretching and conditioning.

The older the participant is in recreational activities, the higher a risk they are at of injury. “Meanwhile, you’re at a higher risk because as you get older, your tissue gets less and less elastic, says Dr. Steven Raikin, author of the study.

Dealing with an Achilles tendon injury can be a painful ordeal. An injury like this can be managed by a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein can examine your Achilles tendon, and work with you to provide the appropriate treatment.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in our body. It is the tendon that connects the heel to the calf muscles. The Achilles tendon helps with basic movement in the legs like walking. As a result, the Achilles tendon can risk incurring Achilles tendinitis or a rupture. Those at risk include people who overexert themselves during physical activity.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms Include:

• Inflammation
• Tendon Thickening
• Slower Movement Time
• Severe Pain

Achilles Tendon ruptures are caused by the tendon ripping. There are more painful and immediate than Achilles tendinitis. There are surgical and non-surgical methods in treating Achilles tendon ruptures.

While no injury is avoidable, there are preventive measures that can lower your chances like:

• strengthening exercises like squats and leg presses
• Stretch your tendon before and after exercise
• Wear comfortable footwear

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices which are located in San Leandro, Pleasanton and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Long timecocktail waitress Cheryl Haase has problems with her feet on a daily basis as a result of wearing heels on the job. “Most of us girls have been here for 20 years, 15 years. This job has really done a number to our feet and they know it,” Haase said. To help resolve these common issues, Haase groups with fellow waitresses for the right to be able to wear more comfortable shoes in an industry whose adage is ‘the higher the heel, the bigger the tip’.

Working on your feet can be tough on your feet. A podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay understands the complications this can have on one’s health. Dr. Stein will guide patients in the right direction and provide you with the appropriate treatment options.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet, especially at work, for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative Heeled Shoe – Choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go Barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles Tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices which are located in San Leandro, Pleasanton and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.