Last year Gordon Ramsey, celebrity chef, tore his Achilles tendon while preparing for the Iron Man triathlon. Since then the injury has not healed properly causing Ramsey to wear a brace to help support his foot.

Recently Ramsey was seen walking around California with the brace since he is in the middle of a very intense fitness regime.

The chef had started participating in diets and triathlons a few years ago with the help of his wife after realizing that he could no longer see his mid-section anymore. He wears the brace and continues to hope for full recovery to return to his newly found athletic ways.

Achilles tendon injuries are very painful and need proper treatment. If you have pain in your Achilles tendon contact podiatrist Dr. Karin Johansson from New York. Our doctor 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 New York, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.

Gout linked to Lower Risk for Alzheimer’s

According to a recent study, the arthritic condition gout can protect against the dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Hyon Choi, a professor from the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, stated, “Our work shows the potential protective effect of a high level of uric acid and gout against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”

The study arose after previous research suggesting that those with gout might have a lower risk for other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Choi and his group’s work, however, is “just an initial finding,” he added. Gout, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in tissues of especially the legs and feet, is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and affects over 8 million Americans. It is the condition’s high uric acid level that can potentially shield against Alzheimer’s.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Karin Johansson from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of 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 New York, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Gout