Pain or burning along the Achilles tendon is a common concern that often develops gradually, especially in active individuals or those who spend long hours on their feet. This strong tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. When it becomes irritated, symptoms include persistent soreness, stiffness after rest, and a warm or burning sensation during movement. Visible signs include swelling, thickening, and redness. The area may look inflamed and feel tender to the touch, with discomfort that worsens during walking or exercise. Causes often involve overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet. A podiatrist begins care with a detailed history, physical examination, and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out tears. Treatment may start with activity modification, stretching, and supportive devices, then progress to targeted exercises, medications, or advanced interventions if pain persists. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns and callouses both develop as the skin responds to repeated friction or pressure, yet they differ in important ways. Corns are small, round areas of thickened skin with a hard center, often forming on toes where shoes rub. Callouses are broader, flatter patches that appear on weight-bearing areas like heels or balls of the feet. Corns may look raised and feel sharp or burning, whereas calluses tend to look yellowish and do not generally cause pain. Common causes include ill-fitting footwear, foot structure, and walking patterns. A podiatrist begins with a thorough examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out warts or infection. Treatment options include safe and sterile removal of the corn, custom padding or orthotics, and recommended footwear changes to reduce pressure. Early care can prevent worsening pain and complications. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Foot arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints in the foot, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Two common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops from wear and tear over time and often causes joint stiffness, aching pain, and swelling that worsens with activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that leads to joint inflammation, warmth, swelling, and deformity, often affecting both feet. Causes of foot arthritis may include aging, prior injury, genetics, or immune system dysfunction. A podiatrist can assess joint involvement, recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and treatment options to reduce pain and improve function. If you have foot pain or any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and personalized care.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pachyonychia congenita is a rare genetic condition that causes thick, curved nails and painful calluses on the soles of the feet, often beginning in childhood. The skin may form firm areas that make standing or walking difficult, and the nails can become sharply thickened, discolored, or tender when pressure is applied. Some people develop blistering or burning sensations in the weight bearing areas, especially after activity or in warm weather. These changes occur because certain skin proteins do not form normally, creating friction and pressure that the body struggles to manage. Although the condition cannot be cured, its symptoms can be eased with regular care. A podiatrist can safely reduce nail thickness, manage painful calluses, recommend protective footwear, and guide long-term strategies that lessen discomfort during daily activities. If your symptoms are interfering with movement or worsening over time, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief solutions.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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