An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury involving a partial or complete tear of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is commonly caused by sudden increases in activity, forceful push off movements, trauma, or weakened tendons from overuse. Symptoms often include sudden pain in the back of the ankle, swelling, difficulty walking, and the sensation of hearing or feeling a pop at the time of injury. Loss of strength and limited ankle motion may follow. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough evaluation, confirming the diagnosis, and developing a personalized treatment plan that may include immobilization, or surgical care, when needed. Early treatment is essential for optimal healing. If you experience sudden ankle pain or hear a popping sound, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors 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 Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel bursitis causes pain and swelling at the back of the heel. A bursa is a small fluid filled cushion that helps reduce rubbing between bones and soft tissue. When this cushion becomes irritated, it fills with extra fluid and becomes painful. Heel bursitis often develops from shoes that press or rub against the back of the heel, especially stiff or tight shoes. It can also occur after a sudden increase in walking, time spent on hills, or other forms of exercise. Common signs include tenderness, redness, warmth, and a soft swollen area near the heel. Pain may be worse when wearing shoes or after periods of rest. Although the problem may start mildly, it can worsen if ignored, and interfere with daily movement. If heel swelling or pain continues or limits activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Joint pain in the feet can arise because each foot contains 33 joints that absorb force with every step, from the ankle to the small joints in the toes. Stress from injury, structural changes, or repeated loading can irritate joint surfaces and surrounding tissue. Inflammation plays a role when arthritis develops, while noninflammatory causes include joint strain, alignment problems, or pressure from shoes that lack adequate support or frequent use of flip-flops. Cartilage thinning can allow bones to rub, leading to stiffness and reduced motion. Pain can also stem from bunions or capsulitis in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can assess movement, identify the source of pain, and discuss surgery when needed. If you have foot joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated impact and overuse rather than a sudden injury. Runners may continue training without realizing an injury is present because symptoms often begin gradually. Common signs include pain, swelling, and tenderness that develops during activity and improves with rest. One key warning sign is an isolated spot of pain that can be pinpointed with a finger and feels sharp or aching with pressure. Continuing to run can worsen the injury and prolong healing. A podiatrist can perform a detailed examination, order appropriate imaging, and confirm whether a stress fracture is present. They can also guide footwear choices and a safe return to running plan. If foot pain persists or becomes more focused, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.