An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear in the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This injury often occurs when the tendon experiences high stress or sudden force, such as during jumping, rapid acceleration, or intense physical activity. Symptoms can include a snapping sound, sharp pain in the back of the ankle, and aching in the lower leg that makes walking difficult. Many people also notice weakness or an inability to push off the foot. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the severity of the rupture, guiding proper treatment, and supporting recovery with specialized care. Early attention can prevent complications and promote better healing outcomes. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can restore strength, so you can return to activity with confidence.

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.

Finding shoes for wide feet starts with understanding what makes the foot feel cramped inside a narrow design. Some people are born with a wider forefoot, while others notice widening over time as ligaments loosen. Sometimes deformities like bunions or hammertoes change the shape of the toes. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support or have a tight, shallow toe box can lead to rubbing, pressure, and changes in toe position. A podiatrist can evaluate the width of the foot, the height of the arch, and any areas that require extra space to prevent irritation. Shoes offered in wide sizes, with softer materials and a deep, rounded toe box, often reduce pressure on the toes and the outer edges of the foot. Flip-flops rarely provide the structure needed for wide feet and can worsen discomfort. If you have foot or shoe problems related to wide feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not develop fully, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. They may be present from birth, result from injury, or develop over time due to weakened tendons, obesity, or aging. Flat feet may look visibly low or absent in the arch area, and some individuals notice inward tilting of the ankles. Symptoms include foot fatigue, aching in the heel or arch, swelling along the inside of the ankle, or discomfort when standing or walking for long periods. Not all flat feet cause pain, but when symptoms occur, they can lead to knee, hip, or back problems due to altered gait. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet through physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging if needed. Treatment may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, stretching or strengthening exercises, and guidance on activity modification. Early intervention helps reduce discomfort and prevent long-term complications. If you experience persistent foot pain or notice changes in your arches, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly affecting the big toe. This condition can result from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or inherited nail shape. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along one or both sides of the nail. As the condition worsens, the area may become infected, causing drainage, warmth, and increased discomfort. The toe often looks swollen and may feel painful when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can help by carefully examining the affected area to determine the severity of the problem. Treatment may include gentle nail lifting, removal of the ingrown portion, or minor procedures to prevent recurrence. Proper foot hygiene, footwear changes, and nail care education are also part of long-term management. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience pain or infection from an ingrown toenail to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.