Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Bowie, MD 20716

Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries and Ruptures

Tuesday, 08 September 2026

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays an important role in walking, running, and jumping. It handles strong forces when the foot pushes downward or the body lands after a jump. Achilles tendon injuries can range from irritation and small tears to a complete rupture. Repeated activity can weaken the tendon, while a sudden force can cause it to tear. Basketball, track, and volleyball can place high stress on this area because they involve frequent jumping and landing. However, an Achilles injury can occur in many sports and daily activities.

A rupture can happen when the knee is straight and the foot is suddenly pulled upward while the tendon is under heavy force. Patients can hear or feel a pop at the time of injury. They can also develop immediate weakness when pushing off the foot, making walking difficult. Previous Achilles tendon irritation can increase the risk of a rupture. Weak calf muscles and poor conditioning can also raise the risk. Some patients experience Achilles pain or other symptoms in the weeks before a complete tear occurs, making early evaluation important.

A podiatrist can examine the Achilles tendon and determine the location and severity of an injury. The evaluation can include checking foot movement, calf strength, and the tendon for a gap that can indicate a rupture. A podiatrist can then develop a treatment plan based on the injury and the patient's activity level. Treatment for serious tears can involve immobilization or surgery. Prompt care is important because an untreated rupture can become stiff and scarred, making repair more difficult. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Excess Body Weight Contributes to Foot Pain

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Foot pain caused by obesity develops when excess body weight places increased pressure on the structures of the feet. The feet are designed to support body mass and absorb impact during movement, but added weight can strain bones, joints, and soft tissue. This stress may lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Understanding this type of foot pain helps individuals recognize how body weight influences overall foot health and daily function.

Symptoms often include aching in the heels, arches, and balls of the feet, especially after standing or walking for extended periods of time. Many individuals experience increased heel pain while walking, which can interfere with normal movement. Foot pain associated with low arch feet is also common, as excess weight can cause the arch to flatten further. Swelling, stiffness, and fatigue in the feet may develop as the condition progresses. These symptoms can worsen without proper support and care.

The primary cause of this condition is the added mechanical load placed on the feet due to increased body mass. This extra pressure can alter foot alignment and contribute to plantar fasciitis or joint strain. Risk factors include obesity, low arch feet, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Individuals with limited physical activity may also experience weakened foot muscles, which can further reduce stability and increase discomfort. Recognizing these factors can help guide effective prevention and management strategies.

Improving foot health involves maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, and incorporating low-impact physical activity into daily routines. Proper arch support and cushioning can help reduce strain and improve comfort. Early attention to symptoms can prevent long-term complications and support better mobility. If you have foot pain from being overweight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

Friday, 28 August 2026

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Why a Professional Evaluation of a Broken Toe Is Important

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

A broken toe is a common foot injury that can occur after stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or experiencing a direct impact during sports or other activities. Although some fractures are minor, others can affect the position and function of the toe. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. Some people also notice difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot. In certain cases, the toe may appear crooked or become difficult to move. Because the symptoms of a broken toe can be similar to those of a severe sprain, a professional evaluation is important to determine the extent of the injury and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can affect more than the injured bone. Ongoing pain may change the way a person walks, placing additional stress on the rest of the foot. This altered movement can also increase strain on the ankle, knee, or hip. A thorough podiatry examination helps determine which toe is injured and whether the fracture extends into a nearby joint. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate bone alignment. Early diagnosis is important because untreated fractures may heal improperly and lead to lasting pain or reduced toe function.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating broken toes while monitoring the healing process. Professional care focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing discomfort, and helping the toe heal as expected. Treatment is tailored to each patient's injury and may be adjusted based on the severity of the fracture. Regular follow-up visits also allow healing to be monitored and any complications to be identified early. If you have toe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking after a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Throbbing pain
Swelling
Bruising on the skin and toenail
The inability to move the toe
Toe appears crooked or disfigured
Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Podiatric Treatment for Ankle Pain

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Ankle pain can make standing, walking, and other daily activities difficult. The ankle contains bones, joints, and soft tissues that work together to support body weight and movement. Pain can occur after an injury or a change in activity. Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Some patients also experience numbness or tingling. Pain can sometimes come from another area of the body, which is called referred pain. Changes in foot structure, excess body weight, or shoes that lack proper support can also place extra stress on the ankle.

Ankle sprains are one possible cause of pain. A sprain happens when the ankle rolls, twists, or turns forcefully and damages supporting ligaments. Most sprains occur when the foot twists inward, causing pain around the outside of the ankle. Fractures can also cause ankle pain, especially after a hard impact or fall. Achilles tendon problems can develop after a sudden increase in training or a new activity. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and helps raise the heel when walking or running. Arthritis can also affect the ankle joint and contribute to pain or stiffness.

A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain by examining the painful area and checking how the foot and ankle move. The assessment can consider walking patterns, joint movement, and foot structure. A podiatrist can determine whether shoes or abnormal foot mechanics are placing added stress on the ankle. Treatment can include supportive devices, shoe recommendations, and targeted movement guidance. Custom orthotics can also help control abnormal foot movement when appropriate. Severe tenderness over a bone or an inability to put weight on the ankle can indicate a more serious injury. If you have symptoms of ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.