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The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone. This is a critical body part that can be associated with a variety of injuries. If one has developed an Achilles tendon injury, there are several things that might be done to treat such an injury. For example, an Achilles tendon rupture might be treated by ensuring that the patient receives sufficient rest. Additionally, the Achilles tendon rupture may be treated with serial casting. In some cases, undergoing a surgical procedure might be used to treat an Achilles tendon rupture. If a surgical procedure is performed, it might close the ends of the affected tendon. If you believe that you have suffered an Achilles tendon injury, contact a podiatrist today.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Boston Common Podiatry. 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 Boston, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is a condition that comes from trauma or injury to the calcaneocuboid joint and surrounding ligaments. It is a common injury among athletes and dancers. The cuboid bone provides stability to the outer side of the midfoot and helps distribute the weight of the body across the foot to help with walking comfortably. With cuboid syndrome, the foot is painful, red, and occasionally, it is hard to move. Cuboid syndrome can be hard to diagnose because it has symptoms that can be related to different types of foot injuries. This condition can usually be diagnosed through physical exams where the foot is manipulated to try and bring on the symptoms of cuboid syndrome. If the results of these tests indicate cuboid syndrome, the podiatrist will possibly relocate the cuboid bone back into place or instruct the sufferer to refrain from putting weight on the affected foot and rest it to give the cuboid bone time to heal. If you have pain in the midfoot area, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and provide the best treatment for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury that can affect the ability to walk, run, and participate in jumping activities. It is a condition that affects the plantar fascia which runs along the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the toes to the heels, and tears that occur can result in plantar fasciitis. Gradual discomfort eventually progresses to severe pain, and prompt medical treatment is often sought to manage the pain. People that enjoy running and who develop plantar fasciitis often need to limit the number of times they run per week, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Many patients notice the heel pain is worse in the morning after arising, and performing specific stretches may help to find mild relief. An effective stretch is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist at the first hint of heel pain who can properly diagnose and offer correct treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the podiatrists from Boston Common Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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