Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often begins with stiffness and pain in the back of the heel or lower leg, especially during walking or running. The discomfort may ease with activity at first, but can return stronger afterward. Over time, the tendon may thicken and lose flexibility, making daily movement more difficult. Common causes include overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Rest, stretching, and supportive footwear may reduce strain, while structured strengthening programs are often key to recovery. Ignoring the problem can increase the risk of a more serious tendon injury, including rupture. If you are experiencing persistent pain or stiffness in your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Ahmed Shoukry, DPM of The Foot 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 Euless, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

One of seven tarsal bones in the foot is referred to as the cuboid bone. It is found on the outside of the foot, has six sides, and resembles a cube. It enables the foot to maintain stability, and can be partially responsible for distributing body weight. The cuboid bone resembles a pulley, and functions with other bones in the foot. The condition that is known as cuboid syndrome commonly affects athletes and ballet dancers. These groups of people may be prone to ankle sprains, and as a result, the cuboid bone may become injured. Mild relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and it may be beneficial to wrap an elastic bandage around the foot which can help to stabilize the ankle. If you have cuboid syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this ailment as quickly as possible.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Ahmed Shoukry, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Patients who have cracked heels often notice their feet can feel better when their feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer to them. Probable causes of this condition can include standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, certain medical ailments may cause cracked heels to develop, including eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Older people may experience cracked heels.  This may be a result of thinning skin that has lost a portion of its elasticity and not drinking adequate amounts of water on a daily basis. If the cracks become deep and are left untreated, these are referred to as fissures, and infections may develop. If you notice the first signs of cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Ahmed Shoukry, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Flat feet in children occur when the arches of the feet are lower than normal or absent, affecting foot function and posture. Causes include genetics, ligament laxity, or developmental delays. There are two main types of flat feet which are flexible flat feet, where the arch appears when standing on tiptoes, and rigid flat feet, where the arch is absent in all positions. Symptoms may include foot pain, fatigue during activity, uneven shoe wear, or difficulty walking or running. A podiatrist can assess your child’s foot structure, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and provide exercises to improve strength and alignment. If your child has pain from having flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Ahmed Shoukry, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Pain in the second toe can result from a sprain or fracture, often caused by trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or repetitive stress from activities like running. Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and pain that worsens with movement. The toe may appear misaligned or have limited range of motion. A sprain involves stretched or torn ligaments, while a fracture is a break in the bone, both of which can feel sharp, throbbing, or tender to the touch. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury through a clinical exam and imaging, such as X-rays, to determine the severity. Treatment options include taping or splinting the toe, wearing a stiff-soled shoe, or in some cases, immobilization with a boot or surgery. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, such as joint stiffness or improper healing. To ensure proper care and recovery, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Ahmed Shoukry, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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