Rupture, or tearing, of the Achilles tendon is a common condition. This typically occurs in the unconditioned individual who sustains the rupture while playing sports, or perhaps, from tripping. There is a vigorous contraction of the muscle and the tendon tears. The patient will often describe the sensation that someone or something has hit the back of the calf muscle. Pain is suddenly present, and although it is possible to walk, it is usually painful. More importantly however, the leg is weak. This is particularly noticeable when trying to push off while walking, and there is not sufficient strength to do so.
ANKLE INJURIES
When an ankle is injured from twisting in towards the other foot, called an inversion injury, most commonly the anterior talofibular ligament is stretched or torn. If the two other primary ligaments on the outside of the ankle (the posterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament) are also injured the primary bone of the ankle, the talus, can be displaced from beneath the tibia, and the ankle "shucks" out of joint. A physician or trainer examining the ankle soon after injury can compare the amount of "shuck" to the opposite ankle and develop a grade for the amount of injury suffered. Usually, if the injury is limited to one ligament, the instability is less. If all three are involved, the ankle is more unstable. The nerve supply to injured ligaments can also be injured. The nerves provide "proprioception" or position sense, in effect telling the brain where the foot is in space. In the healing process, it is critical to re-train the healing ligaments to regain the neural connections required for a stable ankle. Specific exercises can effectively do this.
ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS
There are certain types of arthritis which cause more deformity and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis often causes moderate to severe bone changes in the feet, especially in the toes and the ball of the foot. The feet can become very painful and difficult to walk on.
ATHLETE'S FOOT
Athlete's foot is the most common term to describe a fungus condition involving the skin of the feet and toes. Another term is Tinea Pedis. However, that means a ringworm type infection and the term is misleading, since the organisms that cause it are not worms, but are fungus spores technically known as dermatophytes. A more appropriate name is Dermatophytosis. The three names above really mean the same thing. The patient first notices an itching sensation, usually between the toes. The skin in that area may have small blisters and be peeling. A less itchy form of Athlete's Foot can appear as a dry, red peeling condition on the bottom of the foot.
