Achilles tendon injuries are often linked to a combination of overuse, biomechanics, and lifestyle factors that place stress on the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Sudden changes in activity, such as increasing running mileage or adding explosive movements like jumps, can strain the tendon. Training on different surfaces or changing footwear may also raise the risk of Achilles tendon injuries. Tight or weak calf muscles, excessive inward rolling of the foot called pronation, or chronic ankle instability can all contribute to tendon damage. People with high-arched feet or a small leg-length difference are more prone to injury because these conditions alter how pressure is distributed across the feet and ankles.  A podiatrist can assess the severity of the injury and provide effective treatment, including surgery, when needed. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor 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 one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

For medical professionals who spend long hours on their feet, the right footwear is essential. Proper shoes can reduce pain, prevent injuries, improve posture and body alignment, enhance stability, reduce the risk of falls, and even boost professional confidence. Supportive, well-fitted footwear helps maintain comfort during demanding shifts, while protecting joints and muscles from strain. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, identify any underlying conditions, and recommend footwear or orthotics tailored to individual needs. Investing in proper shoes not only benefits physical health, but also supports better performance in patient care. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide you with expert advice  on the proper shoes to wear for your profession. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet are small fluid-filled pockets that form due to friction, heat, or moisture. They often develop from wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged walking or running, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Certain skin conditions or infections can also contribute to blister formation. Blisters may appear as raised, clear bumps filled with fluid and can feel tender, sore, or even painful when pressure is applied. If the blister breaks, it may become red, inflamed, or infected, leading to further discomfort. A podiatrist can help by identifying the underlying cause of your blisters and recommending effective treatment. This may include draining large or painful blisters safely, applying sterile dressings, preventing infection, and advising on proper footwear and foot hygiene. For recurring blisters, custom orthotics or shoe modifications may be suggested to reduce friction and pressure. If you have painful blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking poles can help protect the feet by lowering the pressure placed on them during long or uneven walks. As the poles shift some of the body weight away from the feet, the impact on the heels, arches, and toes is reduced. This can ease foot fatigue and help prevent injuries linked to overuse or poor shock absorption. On steep or unstable ground, walking poles improve balance, which lowers the chance of twisting an ankle or placing extra stress on the forefoot. People with weak ankles or joint stiffness may notice less discomfort when walking with poles, as the added support can improve foot alignment and motion. A podiatrist can assess whether walking poles are appropriate based on existing foot conditions and recommend ways to improve support and gait. If you have foot pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and expert guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.