The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a key role in walking, running, and pushing off the foot. Injury occurs when this structure becomes irritated, weakened, or overstressed over time or through sudden strain. Common causes include overuse, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, abrupt increases in activity, or a biomechanical imbalance within the foot and ankle. Symptoms often include soreness or stiffness near the heel, tenderness along the tendon, swelling, and discomfort that worsens with movement or first steps in the morning. Some people also notice thickening of the tendon or reduced strength. Treatment focuses on reducing strain and supporting healing. Options may include rest, stretching, activity modification, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or injections. Surgery may be considered for severe or long-standing cases. If you have ongoing pain or stiffness in the heel or tendon area, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exercises can help improve comfort and support for people with flat feet by strengthening muscles that help maintain the arch and control foot movement. Flat feet occur when the arch collapses or does not fully form, which may place added strain on the feet and ankles during walking or standing. Exercises that focus on gently lifting the arch, improving toe control, and increasing ankle flexibility may help the foot function more efficiently. Movements that involve pulling the ball of the foot toward the heel without curling the toes can activate important stabilizing muscles. Controlled heel raises can support alignment through the arch and ankle. Stretching the calf muscles may also help reduce tension that affects foot posture. When performed consistently, these exercises may reduce fatigue and discomfort for some people with flexible flat feet. If you have flat feet that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the small cuboid bone on the outer side of the mid-foot shifts slightly out of position or becomes irritated, leading to sharp or aching discomfort. It is seen most often in active individuals, including dancers, runners, and people who spend long periods of time on their feet, because repetitive motion and sudden twists can place extra stress on the outer foot. Others may develop it after an ankle sprain, as the injury can disrupt normal alignment. Symptoms include pain along the outer mid-foot, difficulty pushing off during walking, tenderness when pressing the area, and a feeling of weakness or instability. Treatment focuses on restoring alignment, reducing irritation, and supporting the foot as it heals. A podiatrist can perform targeted manipulation, provide taping or padding, and recommend footwear or inserts that improve stability. If outer foot pain continues to interfere with movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A tailor’s bunion, which forms on the outer side of the foot near the little toe, can interfere with comfort and mobility more than many people expect. As the area becomes irritated or swollen, wearing regular shoes may feel increasingly difficult, leading to constant friction and aching during routine activities. People often change the way they walk to avoid pressure, which can create new problems in the ankles, knees, or back. Social activities, exercise, and even short errands may feel limited when every step causes discomfort. Sleep can also be disrupted if the area remains sore at night. With proper evaluation, treatment such as footwear adjustments, padding, orthotics, or targeted care can reduce symptoms and improve function. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist if a tailor’s bunion is affecting your comfort or quality of life.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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