If you’re experiencing heel or foot pain in Sugar Land , then your podiatrist may inform you that you’re suffering from Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis. Patients who have either of these 2 conditions typically suffer from soreness, stiffness, pain, aching, or tenderness in the tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. Achilles tendinitis refers to short-term inflammation in the tendon, while Achilles tendinosis can involve tears in and degeneration of the tendon.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an Achilles tendon problem, then the treatment recommended by your podiatrist can depend on how long you’ve experienced symptoms and the severity of your condition. Some common treatments for a painful Achilles tendon include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to address the pain, ice to reduce inflammation and swelling, immobilization to promote healing, physical therapy for strengthening, and the use of foot orthotics to relieve stress from the tendon. When non-invasive treatments fail to provide a patient with relief, then they may be referred to a foot surgeon for surgery.

If you have ruptured an Achilles tendon, the road to recovery can be lengthy. Your foot doctor in Sugar Land will guide you through the process and help you understand what to expect at each stage, so you can move past your foot pain and regain your mobility.

Watch this video to hear from a patient who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. Once your foot doctor has said you can drive and resume most of your normal activities, you will still need to be cautious about how much weight you put on the injury site. Being active will help prevent stiffness and foot pain, but stick to activities that are approved by your foot specialists until you have healed completely.

Your shoes play a big part in your foot health, and one of the top offenders when it comes to foot pain and injuries is stilettos. Although you may love the way your heels look with your favorite dress, sky-high stilettos take you one big step closer to a range of foot problems. If you’re dealing with foot pain in Sugar Land , talk to your foot specialist to see if your shoe choice could be to blame.

When you wear stilettos, you force your feet into an abnormal position, which is further exacerbated by the unnatural gait that is common with high heels. This can cause mechanical foot and ankle problems, bunions, and chronic foot pain. If giving up your favorite shoes entirely isn’t appealing, talk to your foot doctor about the best options for healthier high heels. Forgo stilettos in favorite of shorter heels, and look for heels that wider rather than spiked. Choose a wide toe box, and consider adding gel inserts to make your shoes more comfortable. Limit the amount of time you’re walking in heels to prevent long-term damage.

If you undergo foot surgery, you will receive anesthesia for your comfort and manage your pain. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on the type of surgery you are having, your health, and your preferences. Your foot surgeon in Sugar Land will explain your options to you so you know what to expect. Here is a look at some of the different types of anesthesia used during foot and ankle surgery.

Local and Regional Anesthesia

Local and regional anesthesia are similar to what you receive at the dentist. You receive a series of injections that prevent nerve impulses from being conducted, thus blocking any pain you may feel. A local anesthetic is used to numb a small area, like a toe, while a regional blocks pain in a large area, such as your leg. With both these forms of anesthesia, you remain completely awake, so you can respond to questions and instructions from your foot doctor. Some of the benefits of these types of anesthesia is that there is no increased risk of heart attack or stroke as there is with general anesthesia. They are also the most affordable forms of anesthesia.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation involves the use of a mild sedative, delivered via an IV by your foot surgeon. You will not fall asleep with this kind of sedation, but you will feel extremely relaxed. Because this kind of anesthesia does not block pain, it is often combined with a local or regional option. Conscious sedation is not ideal for long procedures and can cause nausea and headaches in some patients. If you are nervous about your procedure, your podiatrist may recommend conscious sedation.

General Anesthesia

When you have general anesthesia, you will be put in a deep state of sleep throughout your operation, so you don’t experience any kind of pain. You also will not have knowledge of the surgery. General anesthesia comes with a risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung infection, which is greater in smokers and people who are overweight. Your surgeon will help you determine if this is the best fit for your operation.