The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, allowing you to walk, run, and jump. Overuse, sudden increases in activity, or poor footwear can lead to Achilles tendinopathy, a condition marked by stiffness, swelling, and pain at the back of the ankle. In more severe cases, the tendon may partially or completely tear, often causing sudden, sharp pain and difficulty walking. These injuries are more common in active adults, but can happen to anyone, especially during activities that involve explosive movements. Prompt evaluation is important, as untreated tendon problems can lead to chronic pain or reduced mobility. Treatment may include rest, targeted exercises, supportive footwear, or surgery for a rupture. If you experience persistent heel or ankle pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. 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 Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle is more than just a simple fracture. Without proper treatment, it can lead to long-term problems that affect mobility and quality of life. One possible complication is poor bone healing, which can result in chronic pain or joint instability. Damage to surrounding ligaments, tendons, or blood vessels may also occur, increasing recovery time and impacting function. Infections can develop after surgery or when the skin around the injury is damaged. Arthritis in the ankle joint is another potential long-term outcome, especially if the break involves the joint surface. Early and accurate treatment is essential to reduce these risks and promote full recovery. If you have suffered an ankle fracture or continue to experience pain and swelling after an injury, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Peripheral neuropathy in the feet occurs when nerve damage leads to impaired communication between the brain and the lower extremities. This condition can be caused by diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or exposure to toxins. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, excessive alcohol use, and certain medical treatments. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sharp pain, or loss of balance, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough evaluation, recommending protective footwear, and providing foot care guidance. If you experience persistent numbness or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. 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 offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar heel pain in athletes is often caused by repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Other factors include overuse, sudden increases include training intensity, or improper footwear. The biomechanical demands of sports such as running, basketball, and soccer place continuous strain on the foot, especially during jumping or rapid direction changes. Age can also play a role, with younger athletes facing growth-related conditions and older athletes experiencing wear and reduced elasticity. A podiatrist can assess movement patterns, recommend custom orthotics, and provide targeted therapies. If heel pain affects your performance, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to restore function and support your athletic goals.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. 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 Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.