Items filtered by date: July 2016

Midfielder Nathan Doyle recently ruptured his Achilles tendon during pre-season training. He only made 14 appearances last season due to a series of injuries. Nathan already underwent surgery and hopes to have a smooth recovery. He is expected to return in mid-September.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 cause severe 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 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 Huntersville, Mooresville and Mountain Island, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Gout is now a major health problem in the United States. Around 4% of the adult population suffers from the condition. In order to treat the condition, lifestyle modifications need to be made. People with gout should avoid eating foods that are high in purines. These foods include: meats, sardines, anchovies, beans, and lentils. It is also important for people with gout to avoid drinking alcohol. Since 2006, there have been new treatments for patients with gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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After colliding against the side wall in left field, Red Sox outfielder Blake Swihart suffered a left ankle sprain. The injury could cause him to miss the next several weeks of gameplay, and the Red Sox have limited replacement options for the left fielder. The timetable for his return is sometime in mid-July, and Rusney Castillo is expected to be his replacement until he rejoins the team.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quist will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

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Exercise is crucial when it comes to dealing with diabetes. Extra precautions need to be taken for people with diabetes compared to those without it. A doctor must always be consulted if a person with diabetes wants to change his exercise routine. For diabetics the best time to exercise is one to three hours after eating, when blood sugar levels are at their highest point. It is important for diabetics to test their blood sugar levels before exercising. Having a small snack can raise low blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia. Diabetics should also wear medical alert bracelets while they exercise and carry glucose tablets in case of emergency.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quist will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices from Huntersville, Mooresville and Mountain Island, NC.We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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