Feet

Take care of your feet, they take you everywhere!

Your feet play an important role in drumming as well as life. It's very important to take care of them.

Wash your feet daily. Rinse off all soap and dry thoroughly, especially between toes. Trim nails straight across, and not too short. Don't cut out or dig at corners. Do not trim, shave, or use over-the-counter medicines to dissolve corns or calluses Wear clean socks or stockings, changed daily. Don't wear any that are too short or too tight. Wear shoes that fit.

Some people's feet sweat more than others, and are more prone to athlete's foot. These tips may help:

Wear shoes made of leather or canvas - not synthetics. Sandals are good. Switch shoes from day to day. Use foot powder. See your doctor if severe problems persist. Foot pain is NOT normal.

Pedicure

Pedicure is the care of the feet, legs and toe nails

Purpose of pedicure

To keep the feet in good condition and to make the skin soft and smooth. It improves blood circulation, nourishes the skin and the leg and foot muscles. It discourages foot ailments.

Implements:

Nail cutter
Nail filer
Cuticle cutter
Cuticle pusher
Nail brush
Orange stick
Pumice stone
Foot scrapper
Two basins large enough for foot bath

Materials

Acetone
Liquid soap or shampoo
Luke warm water
Antiseptic lotion
Oil or cream
Nail polish
Foot powder
Hydrogen peroxide

Procedure

File the nails and cut the nails if necessary. Place both the feet in Luke warm water containing liquid soap and hydrogen peroxide. Clean the foot using nail brush, foot scrapper and pumice stone. Remove the foot from the basin and clean thoroughly using a soft towel. With a cotton dipped in Antiseptic lotion and with the help of an orange stick apply the lotion under the free edge of each nail. Buff the cuticle to soften the cuticle. Loosen the cuticle back gently. Massage the legs for five minutes. Apply the first coat of nail polish and allow it to dry and then apply the second coat

How You Walk

When the heel hits the ground, its outer edge touches first. Soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) relax. Your foot is able to flatten, adapt to uneven surfaces, and absorb the shock of touchdown.

During midstance, your heel is below the anklebone, and the front and back of your foot are aligned. Your foot easily bears your weight.

As the heel lifts, it swings slightly to the inside. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments tighten. Your foot regains its arch, allowing your toes to push your weight off the ground.

Too Much Movement Causes Strain!
When your foot flattens too much (overpronation), some bones are forced to support too much weight. The muscles pull harder on these areas, making it more difficult for tendons and ligaments to hold bones and joints in place. Over time, you may develop swelling or pain on the bottom of your foot or near the heel. Or a bony bump (bunion) may form at your toe joint.

When your foot flattens too much, the ankle and heel do not align during midstance. The foot strains under your body's weight.

Ankle Sprain

A twisted ankle, ankle sprain, inversion sprain or an ankle that rolls over are all terms for injuries to the human ankle. 90% of ankle injuries usually occur on the outside (lateral side) of the ankle. Medial or inside ankle injuries occur in 10% of the cases. The following is regarding a lateral ankle sprain.

An ankle sprain or a simple turning of the ankle results in pain, ecyhmosis (bruising) and tenderness over the outside portion of the foot and ankle.

Mild sprains can be treated with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). These conditions are usually self-limiting and clear up in a few days.

Conservative measures include ice, wraps, ace bandages, and/or braces such as the Cho Pat Ankle Support, or Pneu Gel Ankle Support which can be used as "cold" therapy as well as support.

More serious ankle sprains are usually characterized by difficulty in walking after the injury and require medical treatment which includes x-rays to rule out a fracture to the foot or ankle. An MRI is another test used to determine soft tissue ligament damage.
Cast walkers such as the Cast Walking Boot are most beneficial in the treatment of severe sprains. If the ligament is ruptured, surgery is indicated. Pro-stretch and foot massagers / spas are also available for therapy and arch and foot support for better stability of the ankle.

Athletes Foot

Athlete's foot typically affects the skin on the feet between the toes, but can move anywhere on the foot and can affect the toenails.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin and the nails, usually found on the skin between the toes. When the infection spreads to the toenails, they become thick and distorted.

Fungi are plant organisms (tinea pedis) such as mold and mildew and grow best in conditions that are moist. Bacteria may thrive as a secondary infection, which worsens the symptoms of the disorder and makes it more difficult to cure. A fungal infection is one of the most difficult nail and foot conditions to treat.

It is common to catch athlete's foot from other people who have it by walking on floors that are moist or wet (e.g. at swimming pools and in shared bathroom facilities). Athlete's foot is also much more common in people who tend to have moist feet. Athlete's foot can also be spread by sharing other people's shoes or personal care items such as towels and wash cloths.

Athlete's foot and fungus may also spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch their and then touch themselves elsewhere.

Symptoms include:

On the skin:
Reddened, cracked, and peeling skin
Some bleeding
Itching
Burning
Stinging sensation
Development of small blisters (Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads. In severe cases the skin may thicken, like a callus, and begin to scale.)

On the toe nail:
Change in color (yellow or brown)
Nail gets thicker
Bad odor
Debris collects beneath the nail
White marks on the nail

Treatment

Self-care treatments:
Bathe your feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly after bathing and keep your feet dry. Change socks frequently and buy socks that absorb moisture, such as cotton and wool. Expose your feet to the air for short periods of time throughout the day (do not walk barefoot, however). Wear sandals with open toes whenever possible.

There are a variety of over-the-counter products that can be used to treat the tinea pedis fungus, such as:
Gordochom Fungicide-Germicide
Tineacide Antifungal Cream for Foot Fungus
Tineacide Antifungal Shoe Spray for Foot Fungus
NC Anti-Fungal Solution
Bromi-Lotion Antiperspirant
RESTORE AF - topical solution restores infected nails

After a period of time, if products used for athlete's foot and fungus fail, prescription topical or oral antifungal drugs, such as Sporonax or Lamisil, can be prescribed by your Podiatrist.

Prevention:
Wear sandals or shoes when walking on moist or wet floors
Don't share shoes or personal care items such as towels
Wear socks made of absorbent materials such as cotton or wool
Change socks frequently if you perspire heavily
Choose footwear that allows for the circulation of air
Keep the floors in shared facilities clean and dry
Keep your feet clean and dry by dusting Bromi-Talc Foot Powder in shoes and hose and feet
Clean athletic shoes frequently with a product such as Athletic Shoe Cleaner

Fungal Nails

Fungal infection of toenails, called Onychomycosis, is a common foot health problem that many people do not recognize. Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms, such as molds and mildew, that do not require sunlight for growth. They easily attack the nail, thriving off keratin, the nail's protein substance.
Onychomycosis is an infection underneath the nail that can also penetrate the nail. If it is ignored, it could impair one's ability to work or even walk because it is frequently accompanied by thickening of the nails, which then cannot be easily trimmed, and may cause pain while wearing shoes. This disease can frequently be accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in/or about the nail plate.

Symptoms:

Change in color (yellow or brown)
Nail gets thicker
Bad odor
Debris collects beneath the nail
White marks on the nail
This infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin or even the fingernails.
Toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where people are likely to be walking barefoot - swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails.

There are a variety of products that can be used on the foot and toe nails that kill the tinea pedis fungus, such as:

RESTORE AF - topical solution restores infected nails
Anti-Fungal Nail Treatment Kit
Skin & Nail Fungal Treatment Kit
Gordochom Fungicide-Germicide
Tineacide Antifungal Cream for Foot Fungus
Tineacide Antifungal Shoe Spray for Foot Fungus
NC Anti-Fungal Solution

Prevention

Clean, dry feet resist disease. Wash the feet with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Shower shoes should be worn in public areas. Shoes, socks and hosiery should be changed daily. Use a quality foot powder, talcum not cornstarch. Buy shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.

Seeing your Podiatrist

Your Podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early. A suitable treatment plan may include prescribing topical or oral medication (such a Lamisil or Sporonax), and debridgement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail. Debridgment is one of the most common foot care procedures performed by DPMs. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.

Circulation and the Foot

One major concern to Podiatrists is the problem of circulation. Gravity does its best to pull the blood to the feet, but it is not ensuring a return trip. Because, in the human body, the major foot arteries are the farthest away from the heart, many circulatory problems will first display themselves in the feet.

The arteries carry blood away from the heart and the veins carry blood returning to the heart and lungs for regeneration - for nutrients and oxygen - after the blood's supply of oxygen has been used up to nourish the tissues of the body.

There are two main arteries that supply the feet with the essential blood supply: the dorsalis pedis artery and the posterior tibial artery. These two major arteries distribute oxygenated blood through smaller arterioles to the many tissues of the feet. Healthy arteries have thick walls that are strong and elastic. To accommodate the pressure created by the pumping of the heart, they must stretch with each heartbeat.

Half the deaths in the United States each year are caused by cardiovascular diseases. The single greatest killer of Americans today is hardening of the arteries or arterioslcerosis. when this occurs, there is a lack of blood-flow to a given area of the body, particularly the feet, since they are farthest from the heart.

Reduced blood-flow to a part of the body means that the muscles may become oxygen-deficient. Some symptoms of oxygen-deficiency are a cramping pain in the calf and lower leg. At the same time the feet may become cold. (Though not all muscle cramps should be interpreted as a sign of cardiovascular disease, if you suspect a problem seek medical advice.) Sometimes a person with a circulatory problem will develop thick and brittle toenails.

Varicose Veins

Veins are thinner-walled than arteries. Since veins are returning blood back to the heart, they are under less pressure. Veins are more numerous than arteries and contain about 70 percent of the body's blood at any one time. Since blood returning to the heart from the lower part of the body must move against gravity, most of the larger veins contain one-way valves to keep the blood from pooling in the feet and legs, or moving backwards.

Another well-known circulatory problem is varicose veins. Varicose veins are veins that have a valve problem. when this happens, blood moves backward and the veins become swollen. These veins swell, because of the blood they are being forced to hold, until eventually they do not function properly. The larger, deeper veins develop valve problems, and at that point the used blood re-routes through smaller, more superficial veins.

Creams such as Neuro-Eze and massage products such as the Foot Log Massager or Homedics Bubble Mate Luxury Foot Bubbler can help to get circulation flowing.

Corns, Calluses and IPK

Corns and calluses are the most common conditions on the skin of the foot. A corn, which is a thickening of the outer layer of skin, usually occurs on the tops of the toes. Calluses, which are the same condition on the bottom of the feet, are caused by sheering pressures. Corns and calluses are the foots defense against friction and pressure. These conditions are usually painful but can respond to conservative care.

The first line of defense for this condition is a good supporting shoe that has a wide toe box and a low heel.

Over the counter items such as pads, lotions/creams, pumice stones and callus removers, foot baths, and scrub brushes are also helpful for these conditions. Regular use of a paraffin bath also helps reduce callus build-up.

Other useful treatments for corns and calluses are orthotics, a device to realign the mechanical disturbance of the foot. Although you can purchase orthotics over-the-counter, this device is usually made from a cast of the foot and is prescribed by a Podiatrist.

If corns and calluses persist then professional treatment by a podiatrist and/or an orthopedist who is trained in these areas is indicated. A severe form of callus is considered an IPK (Intractable Plantar Keratosis)and may need surgery.

Usually a doctor will obtain x-rays to ascertain whether or not there is an underlining bone spur. If the condition is painful enough and non-responsive to topical medications and debridement, then surgical correction is indicated.

Dry, Cracked Heels

Dry cracking heels (xeorosis) is a condition of thickening and fissuring (cracking of the bottom part of the heels). In most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem. But when the problem persists, especially in diabetes or people with impaired vascular sufficiency, this can lead to a serious medical problem.

If there is a question of diabetes or vascular problems, referral to a podiatrist, vascular surgeon or orthopedist is recommended. If the calluses are of such a nature that they are bothersome, Pac-A-Derm Heel Treatment, lotions, or paraffin bath treatments, foot baths, theraputic hot boots, brushes and pumice, and pads, are the treatments of choice to relieve the callus on the bottom of the heel.

Flat Feet

Flat feet of themselves are not necessarily a problem. But people with a flat foot or the opposite condition, a highly arched foot, that are painful, are certainly in need of treatment. Flat feet and high arches that are associated with ankle, knee or low back pain are also in need of treatment.

The causes of flat feet are many, but in the older age group decreased exercise and increased weight add to the mechanical disturbances of the foot. Flat feet can also produce conditions known as heel spurs and/or plantar fascitis.

The best and first line of defense for a flat foot condition is a good supportive shoe (Nike, New Balance, K-Swiss, and Avia) but usually some type of arch support is beneficial.

The over-the-counter items such as Spenco and Dr. Scholls are beneficial in treating this condition. Massagers can also aid in relief.

But the most effective means of controlling flat foot or a high arched foot are custom molded orthotics. Shoe inserts, such as the Arch-Mate Foot Support inserts or Tuli's Gaitors 3/4 Length arch supports may provide relief. But if pain continues, by far the best option is a custom fitted orthotic such as the Amfit Custom Orthotic Insole which are made to fit your feet.

Sweaty Feet/Foot Odor

Sweaty feet (hyperhydrosis) and smelly feet (bromohydrosis) are two very common, annoying conditions of the feet. While some cases of excessive smelling or sweating of the feet are systemic (throughout the whole body) in nature, such as anemia (low blood count) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), these conditions are usually of a local cause.

The wearing of shoes that have synthetic materials, which most shoes have, especially tennis shoes, and socks that are of man made fabric are contributing factors of the production of excessive perspiration and the bacteria growth that causes this condition. These two conditions set up a condition called athletes foot (tinea pedis).

There are a host of medications, lotions, powders and creams that are effective against these conditions. Oxistat is an excellent medication for tinea pedis. Bromi Talc and Bromi-lotion Anti-perspirant are excellent for sweaty or smelly feet. Sof Sole insoles, and paraffin bath treatments are also helpful in reducing the level of perspiration of the foot.

Hammertoes/Bone Spurs

Hammertoes, exostosis (bonespurs) could also be grouped under arthritis. Hammertoes, bonespurs, and exostosis are all a result of an imbalance of the muscle structures of the toes, when the toes become crooked, bent, or buckle under causing joints to protrude. These are all descriptions of a biomechanical imbalance.

Although heredity can be a factor in the formation of these conditions, usually it is ill-fitting shoes that precipitate these conditions. In diabetics, or people with poor circulation, hammertoes can be a serious condition. Infections can ensue and the hammertoes can become the source of loss of limb. If a corn develops over a hammertoe, it is usually a result of the pressure between the toe and the shoe.

First aid remedies that can be tried at home;

make sure the shoe is fitting adequately
massagers and foot baths
paraffin baths
scrubs
pads
creams
Angsko Digit-Aid

But, if redness or infection are present the care of a podiatrist, orthopedist, or family doctor is recommended. If the deformity is permanent and causing constant pain, surgical correction utilizing a tenotomy, capsulotomy or arthroplasty (realigning the bone) is the next stage of treatment.

Usually hammertoes can be repaired without using pins or wires, but sometimes this is necessary. In some extremely deformed toes your doctor will recommend an implant to be placed inside the joint to help maintain alignment. Earlier ambulation is encouraged with the use of a post-operative shoe.

Heel Spur/Plantar Fasciitis

Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) affects men and women equally. It is a condition in which the bottom of the heel is extremely painful. A heel spur is a bony overgrowth on the bottom of your heel bone. The heel spur is usually a result of an inflamed ligament (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot that attaches to the heel bone. Constant abnormal pulling of this ligament irritates the heel bone and the body lays down a bone spur as a protective mechanism. The patient usually complains of pain with the first step in the morning, some relief following activity, but returning after extended amounts of time standing or walking.

This condition is a constellation of many causes; overweight, ill fitting shoes, bio-mechanical problems (mal-alignment of the heel), gout, pronation (a complex motion including outward rotation of the heel and inward rotation of the ankle) and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the causes of heel pain.

What Can You Do?

Your doctor, when diagnosing and treating this condition will need an x-ray and sometimes a gait analysis to ascertain the exact cause of this condition.

If you have pain in the bottom of your foot and you do not have diabetes or a vascular problem, some of the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products such as Advil or Ibuprofin are helpful in eradicating the pain. Pain creams, such as Neuro-eze, BioFreeze & Boswella Cream can help to relieve pain and help increase circulation.

Ice compresses, stretching exercises, night splint for traction of the leg muscles to stretch the muscle in the back of the leg, and massage of the back of the leg, along with padding and heel cushions are also things that you can do at home.

But the most important aspect of heel pain or any painful condition of the foot is wearing good shoe gear. Good shoe gear usually consists of a sturdy, solid shoe. Heel pain is not relieved by a soft, ill supported shoe. Shoes such as Nike, K-Swiss, and Avia are the best shoes for this condition.

Arch supports, or better yet, custom orthotics are the number one treatment modality for this condition. Physical therapy is another modality that physicians use in the treatment of this condition. Ice packs, muscle stimulation, ultra sound, Therabath, and the new Plantar Fascitis Night Splint are also helpful.

If all these conservative measures fail to relieve the pain, then surgery is indicated. The newer minimal incision surgeries such as the Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy surgery is extremely beneficial for this condition, and for earlier ambulation, the use of the newer Cast Walking Boot.

Ingrown Nails/Fungus Nails

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the nail is cutting into the flesh. This condition is usually very painful and is usually associated with infection of the toe. A nail is ingrown when one or both corners or sides of the nail grow into the skin of the toe. Irritation, redness, uncomfortable sensation of warmth, as well as swelling, pain and infection can result from an ingrown toenail.

This condition is not to be taken lightly. A toenail infection in the presence of diabetes or vascular problems can lead to loss of limb.

If you think you have a systemic condition (a condition which can be life threatening) you should see your physician/podiatrist immediately. However, if you have a mild ingrown toenail that you think is mildly inflamed, a good over-the-counter medicine such as Gordochom Fungicide-Germicide may be effective for you.

If the toenail is discolored and thickened, then you may have a mychotic (fungus) infection. This is most readily treated by either a topical medication such as Gordochom, Antifungal Nail Treatment, or a new oral medication such as Sporanox.

But again, an ingrown toenail is a serious condition for people with impaired circulation, diabetes or other systemic diseases, and care and treatment of this condition should be sought from a podiatrist or family doctor.

Soaks, topical ointments such as Neosporin, and correct filing of the nail (cut toenails straight across, and leave slightly longer than the end of the toe, then file straight across) are also beneficial.

If surgery is indicated, in that conservative measures have failed, then a phenol (a chemical technique) is usually the procedure of choice. Most foot doctors (Podiatrists) employ this ingrown toenail surgery procedure on an out-patient basis.

Metatarsal Problems

In severe cases of calluses, which usually occur on the plantar aspect (bottom) of the foot, an IPK can develop. An IPK is, in medical terminology, an

Intractable, meaning that it will not go away,
Plantar, meaning bottom of the foot,
Keretosis, meaning a deep seated painful callus that usually occurs under a weight bearing metatarsal (long bone of the foot).

What Can You Do?

Some treatments you can try are orthotics, padding, massage, paraffin baths, and other conservative methods.

If these methods do not relieve the problem, surgical intervention is necessary. There are many types of surgeries to employ to correct this problem. A "V" osteotomy (cutting of the bone) is the most common osteotomy for the second, third and fourth metatarsal, and an oblique osteotomy for the fifth metatarsal.

Sometimes internal fixation, pins or screws, are used to help stabilize the bones when surgery is indicated. These surgeries are usually done under a local block anesthesia, and the patient is usually ambulatory (walking) immediately after the surgery in a post operative Cast Walking Boot. The newer medications make this procedure safe and pain free, but your doctor needs to be consulted as to specific cause for the specific treatment.

Orthotics

Orthotics are devices that are used to control abnormal foot function. When the foot is not functioning correctly, it will produce painful areas. The signs and symptoms of altered biomechanics of the foot are usually registered as pain. An orthotic can relieve that pain by supporting the ligaments and the osseous (bone) structures of the feet.

Orthotics come in many different forms. They are made from rigid materials, metal, plastic, carbon-type materials, and can be covered or not covered. But they must be made accurately.

There are several ways to construct an orthotic. One is to take a plaster impression of the foot. The newer, more advanced way is to take an optical impression of the foot. Some people use a foam based impression. But in any event the form of the foot must be captured accurately and the form is then sent to an orthotic laboratory, such as PAL Orthotics, to be transferred into a mold of the patient's foot. Corrections are made to that mold and an orthotic is made from that corrected mold.

Orthotics are used for many conditions, from childhood to adulthood. In children, orthotics are used to realign the arch structure, realign in-toeing and out-toeing gait problems, or to accommodate knee and hip problems. In the very active age group, such as runners or sports related activities, specially constructed orthotics are accommodated to the specific sporting event. Most professional and weekend athletes use orthotics to help increase their performance. In the older age group, orthotics are also used as an accommodative device for diseased areas of the foot. Diabetic ulcers, hallux valgus (bunions), heel spurs, plantar fascitis, and a host of osseous (bone) or arthritic types of problems can be helped by an orthotic.

Shin Splint

A shin splint is technically the tearing away of the anterior tibial muscle from the bone. Shin splints, or tenosynovitis of the anterior tibial muscle (the muscle that runs from the mid portion of the foot up the front of the leg, just below the knee, on the inside front of the calf) is usually caused by over-use.

Beginning runners or other people who engage in sport activities who have not sufficiently allowed their muscle tone to build up over a proper conditioning program, or whose conditioning program is too rigorous in the beginning, often develop shin splints.

However, people with biomechanical, excessive pronation or supination of the foot also develop shin splints. An orthotic device can be beneficial in alleviating these excessive pronation and supination problems.

Ice wraps, the Cho-Pat Shin Splint Sleeve, anti-inflammatories, and a shorter stride are also good modalities for this problem.

Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are usually the result of altered biomechanics, in that the structures of the foot are either mechanically not stable and/or the bones of the foot are subjected to repetitive micro trauma.

Example: a mildly pronated (flattened) foot in normal conditions would not develop a stress fracture, but a runner with a mildly pronated foot could very easily sustain a stress fracture by repetitive usage on an altered biomechanical foot.

Stress fractures usually take time to develop and the symptoms are pain, redness and swelling. X-rays are usually only positive after about three weeks of symptoms. In some cases, a bone scan is necessary to make the diagnosis.

Again, treatment for this condition, like most conditions of the foot, requires immobilization, ice and compression. Orthotics are the best treatment for long-term control of stress fractures. Immediate control would consist of a cast boot.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome -- tarsal: meaning the lower ankle area of the foot -- is a condition that usually affects the medial (inside) of the ankle. There are many structures that run through this area, including tendons, veins, arteries and nerves.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, as it courses under the ligament at the ankle, becomes inflamed for a variety of reasons, namely: excessive pronation, arthritic problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, and even obesity.

The symptoms that are characteristic of this disease are persistent burning pain, pain that radiates down to the toes and/or up to the lower leg, and pain that is usually unremitting, in that is does not subside after weight has been removed from the foot.

Simple techniques to relieve some of the symptoms are ice, anti-inflammatories, immobilization (such as with a cast walking boot) and cortisone injections.

In some cases where the pain is unresolved after conservative measures have been employed, then surgery is utilized.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis, enthesis, tenosynovitis, and bursitis are all terms that can be used interchangeably for the pain associated with the posterior or the back of the heel of the human foot.

The achilles tendon is the co-joined tendon of the Gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle which form the thickened tendon at the back of the leg as it inserts into the calcaneous (heel bone). This structure becomes inflamed and damaged from a variety of mechanical forces: pronation (inward tilting of the heel) or supination (outward tilting of the heel); excessive weight; over-use, such as running or tennis or other sport activities; and sometimes metabolic problems, such as diabetes, arthritis or even gout can play a major role in inflammation of the achilles tendon. However, most achilles tendon problems are mechanical in nature.

The following devices are usually effective in controlling this altered biomechanical problem:

The Achilles Tendon Strap and the Achilles Heel Pad are very good in over-use injuries that runners would experience.

Shortened achilles tendons (equinus deformities) are usually acquired by people who have worn high heeled shoes (any heel that is over an inch high) and who experience pain when they try to go down to a lower heeled shoe. The achilles shortening is best relieved with stretching exercises. The Passive Night Splint, the Pro Tec Night Splint and the Night Splint are excellent items for self-help in stretching out the achilles tendon. Some cases may need surgical lengthening.

People that have excessive pronation or supination are best controlled with an orthotic device. See the orthotics page for the type of orthotic that would be best suited for you.

Medical treatment would consist of anti-inflammatories, ice packs, and rest. Neuro-Eze, Boswella Cream & Boswella capsules are good topical anti-inflammatory medications.

References:
WebMD