The Achilles tendon is the large tendon on the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscle and the heel bone. When these tendon fibers tear, what is known as a rupture occurs and this leads to pain and a loss of function. During an Achilles tendon rupture, a popping or snapping sound may be heard and the patient can feel as though they’ve been kicked in the back of the leg. During a complete rupture, the heel may not be able to lift off the ground. Achilles tendon ruptures often occur in weekend athletes who don’t train as hard during the week. Other factors that may contribute to ruptures include tight calf muscles, a change in running surface, poor footwear, and obesity. Patients who have ruptured their Achilles tendon tendon should visit a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. 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 office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The function of the ankle is to connect the foot with the leg. Ankle pain can occur after incurring an injury and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. Intense pain can be a result of torn ligaments that link the bones together. Some patients even experience nighttime ankle pain, which can come from bruising and swelling. Existing medical conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, can possibly be a factor in developing ankle pain at night. This ailment can cause numbness and tingling sensations, and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, a pinched nerve inside the heel or ankle may contribute significantly to severe ankle pain. Mild relief may be felt when the feet are elevated while sleeping, and it often helps to wear shoes that fit correctly. Ankle pain can be bothersome regardless of its source. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat ankle pain.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Orthotics are inserted into the shoes and are worn to correct issues with foot alignment or relieve pressure for other foot related issues. Orthotics can also help with problems like knee pain and lower back pain. They can be designed to take stress off of certain areas of the feet, and they can also help support and align the feet properly. Orthotics can be made custom by laser scanning the foot, by using a foam box, or by making a plaster cast. Orthotics can be used to delay surgery, particularly when a child needs to wait for their growth plates to close or for their bones to grow to the needed size. Orthotics may also be used post-surgery to help alleviate pain. If you believe orthotics are right for you, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a condition many people with diabetes also suffer from. Heightened levels of sugar in the bloodstream due to diabetes can cause impaired nerve and blood vessel functionality. Peripheral neuropathy—the most common form of neuropathy in diabetics—affects the feet and legs. It can damage blood vessels’ ability to provide nutrients and oxygen to nerves in the feet and also reduce the signals those nerves send to the brain. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include a burning sensation—or numbness, tingling, tightness or sharp pains—in the feet. Excessive sweating or a heaviness in the legs or arms may also occur. Diabetic patients may help reduce or prevent nerve damage by controlling blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, refraining from smoking or drinking alcohol, and losing weight. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to help manage the impact this disease can have on your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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