Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling along the back of the leg near the heel. It occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed due to overuse or sudden strain. Athletes, runners, and those who frequently engage in high-impact activities are most at risk, especially if they increase activity intensity too quickly. Symptoms include a dull ache or sharp pain during movement, tenderness, and difficulty flexing the foot. Without proper care, the condition can worsen, leading to chronic pain or even tendon rupture. If you have this type of pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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 our office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

In high school sports, basketball, soccer, and track are among the top activities causing foot injuries. Basketball involves sudden stops, jumps, and pivots, leading to sprained ankles, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. Soccer players, constantly changing direction and coming into contact with other players, are prone to ankle sprains, toe injuries, and heel pain. In track and field, high-impact running, jumping, and repeated pressure on the feet often result in stress fractures, shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis. Injuries happen from overuse, poor conditioning, inadequate footwear, or sudden, intense movements. Prevention includes wearing proper footwear for the sport, warming up effectively, and gradually building strength and flexibility in the feet and ankles. If a foot or ankle injury occurs in your teen child, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and structured treatment plan.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Ankle fusion surgery, also known as ankle arthrodesis, involves fusing the bones in the ankle to alleviate chronic pain, often caused by severe arthritis. By removing damaged cartilage and stabilizing the bones with screws or other hardware, this surgery eliminates joint movement while reducing pain significantly. However, the resulting lack of joint mobility may affect activities that require flexibility in the ankle. Benefits of ankle fusion surgery include substantial pain relief and potential reduction in the need for pain medications. However, long-term risks include altered gait mechanics, increased stress on surrounding joints, and the possibility of complications like infection or bone healing issues. Also, recovery from fusion surgery often requires weeks of immobilization and exercises to restore strength and functionality. A podiatrist can evaluate whether ankle fusion surgery is suitable for you, guide your recovery, and manage complications or biomechanical adjustments. If you have chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.