Ankle pain may develop when nerves surrounding the foot and ankle become irritated, compressed, or damaged. These nerves travel from the brain through the legs and into the feet, helping control movement and provide sensation. When a nerve experiences pressure or injury, it may interfere with normal foot function and cause ongoing discomfort. One possible cause of ankle pain is tarsal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a nerve becomes compressed within a narrow passage along the inside of the ankle. This nerve, known as the posterior tibial nerve, provides feeling to areas of the foot. Pressure on this nerve may lead to persistent pain and changes in sensation.

Symptoms of nerve-related ankle pain vary depending on the location and severity of the irritation. Common signs include burning discomfort, tingling, and numbness around the ankle or foot. Some individuals experience sharp or shooting pain that extends into the toes. Others notice reduced sensation, making it difficult to feel certain types of contact or temperature changes. Nerve damage may also affect the muscles responsible for moving the foot and toes. These symptoms sometimes develop gradually and become more noticeable as nerve irritation continues. Persistent ankle discomfort may interfere with walking, standing, and other daily activities. Identifying the source of the pain is important because different nerves affect different areas of the foot.

A podiatrist evaluates ankle pain by examining the affected area and identifying possible signs of nerve compression. The examination focuses on the location of discomfort, changes in sensation, and movement difficulties. Understanding which nerve is affected helps guide appropriate treatment decisions. Podiatric care focuses on addressing the source of nerve irritation and improving foot and ankle function. Early evaluation is especially important when symptoms persist or sensation begins to change. If you are experiencing ongoing ankle pain, tingling, or numbness, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 offices located in Marlborough and Plainville, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis causes pain where the back of a shoe meets the heel. It develops when repeated shoe pressure inflames a bursa between the skin and Achilles tendon. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled cushion that reduces friction. Early signs include redness, warmth, and tenderness at the back of the heel. Irritation can cause skin damage or a soft, painful bump. In long-lasting cases, the bump can become firm as the tissue thickens and calcium collects within it.

Shoes with a stiff back or a poor fit can rub against this sensitive area. High-heeled shoes are a risk because they place the shoe counter against the back of the heel. A bony prominence called Haglund’s deformity can increase pressure and encourage a bursa to develop. Pain from bursitis can resemble pain from other Achilles tendon problems. Achilles tendinitis affects the tendon itself, while another condition can cause pain where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. A podiatrist can identify the source by examining the location, texture, and appearance of the area. Imaging is not always required, but it can help when the cause remains unclear.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and protecting the inflamed area. A podiatrist can evaluate shoe fit and recommend shoes with a low heel that do not press against the bursa. Heel pads, protective gel wraps, or padding placed around the bump can reduce rubbing. Custom orthotics can improve rear-foot stability and limit irritating movement while walking. A podiatrist can monitor skin damage and check for signs of another heel condition. When a bony prominence continues to place pressure on the area, surgery can be considered to remove part of the bone. Early care can reduce irritation before it causes greater pain while wearing shoes or moving throughout the day. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. 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 offices located in Marlborough and Plainville, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on top of the foot can make walking and exercising uncomfortable. This area contains bones, joints, and ligaments that can become irritated or injured. Causes include stress fractures, sprains, and tendinitis. Symptoms vary by problem, but pain, swelling, and stiffness may occur. Pain that increases with activity or continues during rest deserves attention, especially when it affects movement and daily activities.

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure. Athletes and others who suddenly increase activity have greater risk. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn, often after twisting the foot. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common. Arthritis involves inflammation or degeneration within a joint. Risk factors include age and previous injuries. Tendinitis develops when a tendon becomes irritated from repeated use. Active people and those with sudden training changes may be more vulnerable.

A podiatrist starts by discussing symptoms, activities, and injury history. The foot is examined for tenderness, stiffness, and movement changes. X-rays may help identify fractures or arthritis. Other imaging may be recommended. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A stress fracture may require activity restriction and a walking boot. A sprain may need rest and support, and arthritis treatment may include wearing supportive footwear. Tendinitis may require reduced activity while the tendon heals.

Getting the correct diagnosis is important because different causes of pain on top of the foot require different care. Activities that increase pain can delay healing or worsen an injury. A podiatrist can monitor recovery and help you return to normal activity. Seek prompt evaluation when pain is severe, swelling develops, or you cannot walk comfortably. If you have pain on top of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Pickleball injuries are often the result of  quick starts, stops, and sharp side-to-side movements. These common actions place stress on the feet and ankles. Ankle sprains can happen when the foot rolls inward or outward. Achilles tendon strains and tears can result from pushing off quickly. Players can develop heel pain, broken toes, or fractures in the long bones of the foot. Repeated pressure can lead to toenail damage or stress fractures, which are small cracks in a bone. Risk increases when players return to activity too quickly after a break or play on a slippery court.

Proper preparation can lower the chance of injury. A warm-up helps prepare the muscles, tendons, and joints for fast movement. Because running shoes are made mainly for forward motion, they may not offer enough stability for pickleball.  Players should wear court shoes that fit and provide good side-to-side support. Worn-out soles can reduce traction and support. A podiatrist can examine a player’s foot structure, walking pattern, and pressure points. Based on the findings, the podiatrist can recommend suitable shoes, custom orthotics, or activity changes. These steps can improve balance and reduce strain while allowing players to enjoy the game.

Pain, swelling, or difficulty placing weight on the foot should not be ignored. A popping sound, sudden weakness, or a visible change in shape can signal an injury. A podiatrist can perform an examination and order imaging tests to determine whether a bone, tendon, or ligament has been damaged. Treatment includes bracing, immobilization, or other care based on the injury. Early diagnosis can prevent the problem from becoming worse and guide a safe return to the court. It also helps patients avoid changing how they walk, which can create pain elsewhere. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, enabling you to return to this popular sport.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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