Injuries - Integrated Foot and Ankle

An Achilles tendon rupture is when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, tears either partially or completely. It usually happens suddenly during activities like sports, or from tripping or twisting the ankle. This injury is common among people aged 30 to 40, especially in men and those who engage in intense physical activity without regular training.

Causes of Achilles tendon rupture include sudden movements that stress the tendon, common during sports like soccer or basketball. It can also occur from accidents like tripping or stepping into a hole. Certain medications, like some antibiotics or steroid injections, may weaken the tendon and increase the risk of a tear.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include a popping sensation or sound in the back of the ankle, sharp pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and tenderness in the affected area.

Without proper treatment, an Achilles tendon rupture may not heal correctly, increasing the risk of future injuries. Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider, who may also use imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent of the tear.

Second toe pain can result from various conditions, including capsulitis, metatarsalgia, ingrown toenails, Morton’s toe, Morton’s neuroma, Freiberg’s disease, and others. Capsulitis and metatarsalgia cause pain and discomfort at the base of the second toe, while an ingrown toenail results in soreness and tenderness. Morton’s toe, characterized by a longer second toe, can lead to discomfort and difficulty finding well-fitting shoes. Morton’s neuroma causes burning pain and numbness in the ball of the foot, often extending to the toes. Freiberg’s disease affects the second metatarsophalangeal joint, resulting in stiffness and swelling. Various other conditions like bunions, gout, blisters, and strains can also contribute to second toe pain. If experiencing such pain, it’s essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are an athlete, you know it is easy to get injured. Even if you are careful, extended wear and tear on the body can cause problems and pain.

Whether you are a regular or recreational athlete, there are many problems your feet may face as you continue to achieve your athletic goals.

Our doctors treat problems and injuries related to athletic and sports injuries. If your involvement in sports or athletic activities causes an injury in your foot or ankle, our doctors can help you get back on your feet and in the game as soon as possible. From plantar fasciitis to capsulitis, ankle sprains to tendinitis, Achilles pain and everything in between, our doctors can help treat your athletic or sports injuries.

Foot and ankle sprains involve soft tissue injury to ligaments, while fractures are breaks in bones. Common causes include sports injuries, tripping, or stumbling. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Initial treatment involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Seeing a podiatrist is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include imaging tests, immobilization, surgery for severe fractures or ligament tears, and medication. Prevention strategies include warming up, wearing proper shoes, and avoiding uneven surfaces.

Sesamoiditis is a type of tendonitis that affects the tendons and small sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot, particularly under the big toe joint. It occurs due to overuse of the tendons, often from activities like running, dancing, or wearing high heels. Symptoms include pain, difficulty bending the big toe, swelling, and bruising. Risk factors include engaging in repetitive stress activities, wearing high heels, having high arches or flat feet, and having gout. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays, bone scans, or MRIs to confirm the condition and rule out other related injuries or conditions such as stress fractures or hallux rigidus.

Weak ankles can result from injuries, conditions like chronic ankle instability, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, osteoarthritis, wearing incorrect footwear, or diabetes-related nerve damage. Treatments vary depending on the cause, ranging from rest, ice, and elevation for minor sprains to surgery for severe instability. Proper footwear, managing diabetes, and strengthening exercises can help prevent and manage weak ankles. It’s important to seek medical attention for persistent pain, swelling, or sudden weakness, especially if accompanied by numbness, as it could be a sign of a stroke.

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, cause pain in the front part of your lower legs due to inflammation of muscles, tendons, and tissue around the shin bone (tibia). Symptoms include lower leg pain, tenderness, and mild swelling, often felt on the inner lower part of the leg or front of the shin bone. Shin splints result from repeated stress on the shin bone, commonly seen in athletes, dancers, and individuals with flat feet or high arches. If left untreated, shin splints can progress to a stress fracture, resulting in little cracks in the bone. It’s important to rest and ice the affected area to avoid complications