How can I prevent an Achilles tendon injury?
There are several actions you can take to prevent an Achilles tendon injury and, fortunately, they are not particularly difficult to do. Prevention methods for Achilles tendinitis include:
- Slowly easing into new physical activities, instead of trying to start off by doing too much.
- Warming up and stretching prior to running, exercise, or athletic events.
- Wearing shoes that fit properly, provide firm support, and have sufficient cushioning in the heel area.
- Cross-training to limit the amount of time your feet are subjected to high-impact activity.
- Using strengthening exercises for your calf muscles to ease the strain that the Achilles tendons face.
When prevention techniques are not enough, be sure to stop in and have your Achilles injury treated at Southern Tier Podiatry. We will properly assess the condition and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment so you can go back to your favorite physical activities. Schedule your appointment with our Vestal, NY office online, or call (607) 217-5668 today.
What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
The core difference between a sprain and a fracture is what tissue that is affected by the injury. Basically, a sprain is a soft tissue injury that happens to a ligament, and a fracture happens to bone. Given that these differences seem obvious, there are a couple of reasons that people are not sure.
One reason behind misidentifying these injuries is that the symptoms are quite similar. Whether we are discussing ankle or Lisfranc (midfoot) injuries of either variety, common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and restricted motion. Another reason is that they can be sustained in similar ways (often from physical trauma).
A distinguishing difference between the two injuries is that a sprained ankle or foot will likely be able to support some bodyweight and a fractured one will not. Either way, be sure to visit Southern Tier Podiatry for a professional evaluation and treatment. Call our Broome County, NY office for more information at (607) 217-5668, or schedule an appointment with us online if you are in need of foot or ankle care.
How long does it take to recover from a fracture?
We have many patients who wonder how long it takes to recover from a fracture, and the simple truth is that bone fracture recovery times vary based on several factors. The severity and type of fracture, along with patient health and age (children bones heal faster than adult bones), can play a role. That said, all broken bones use the same healing process and we can provide a rough estimate.
The healing process for fractured bones will usually take around 6 to 8 weeks for a significant, but not complete, healing. This timeframe covers the first two stages of the bone healing process – inflammation and bone production. The third stage—bone remodeling—can take several months to complete.
If you or any of your loved ones sustain a broken foot or ankle bone, be sure to come see us at Southern Tier Podiatry. We can assess the extent of the injury and provide the proper care and treatment to ensure that the bone heals as intended. Contact our Binghamton, NY foot doctor office for more information by calling (607) 217-5668 or schedule an appointment online.
