Achilles tendonitis develops when the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated from repeated strain. This tendon plays an important role in walking, running, and rising onto the toes. Pain usually begins at the back of the heel or ankle and can become more noticeable after resting or while taking part in physical activity. Many patients also experience stiffness when getting out of bed in the morning. The discomfort sometimes eases after moving around, but returns as activity continues. Swelling and tenderness along the tendon are also common. Some people notice difficulty climbing stairs or pushing off the ground while walking. Ignoring these warning signs can allow the condition to become more severe and interfere with daily movement.

Repeated stress on the tendon is the leading cause of Achilles tendonitis. A sudden increase in exercise, frequent running, or sports that involve jumping can place extra strain on the tendon. Tight calf muscles and flat feet can also change the way the foot moves, creating added pressure. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can make the problem worse. Risk increases with age, and is also higher in people who spend long hours on their feet. Certain health conditions, like arthritis, excess body weight, and high blood pressure, are linked with a greater chance of developing Achilles tendonitis. 

A podiatrist can diagnose Achilles tendonitis through a careful medical history and a physical examination. The affected tendon is checked for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging tests, like X-rays or an MRI scan, can help rule out other conditions or confirm damage when necessary. After making a diagnosis, a podiatrist can develop a treatment plan that reduces strain on the tendon and improves foot function. Treatment options also include custom orthotics, changes in shoe selection, or other advanced care based on the severity. If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. 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 Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and possible infection. An ingrown toenail usually affects the big toe, which can become infected if ignored. Causes include cutting nails too short, rounding the corners, or wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes. Excess moisture from sweaty feet can soften the skin, making it easier for the nail to penetrate. Some people inherit curved toenails that increase risk, while conditions like diabetes or poor circulation can slow healing and raise the chance of infection. Signs of ingrown toenails include redness, drainage, or overgrown tissue along the nail edge. A podiatrist can evaluate the toenail, relieve pressure, remove the problematic portion of the nail, and address infection to prevent complications. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Pain in the pinky toe can develop for several reasons. Because the pinky toe sits on the outside edge of the foot, it is more likely to be bumped, stubbed, or injured. A direct impact can cause a fracture, which is a broken bone, or a sprain, which is a stretched or torn ligament that connects bones. Repeated stress from running, jumping, or other high-impact activities can also lead to small cracks in the bone. Tight-fitting shoes are another common cause of pinky toe pain. A painful corn, which is an area of thickened skin caused by friction, can also develop on or around the pinky toe.

Structural problems in the foot may contribute to pinky toe pain. Some people develop a tailor's bunion, which is a bony bump that forms near the base of the pinky toe. This can become irritated when it rubs against footwear. Other toe shape changes can place extra pressure on the pinky toe and nearby joints. These problems can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort while walking. In some cases, the toe can become partially or completely dislocated, meaning the bones move out of their normal position. This type of injury can cause severe pain, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the foot.

A podiatrist can determine the cause of pinky toe pain through a physical examination, X-rays, and other imaging scans. Treatment depends on the source and severity of the problem. Care may include immobilization with a walking boot, protective padding, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. A podiatrist may also recommend footwear changes to improve comfort and support. More severe injuries or structural problems may require surgery to restore proper alignment and relieve pain. If you have injured a pinky toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes the body to attack healthy joints, and the feet are commonly affected. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It commonly affects the toes, arches, and ankles. Symptoms include discomfort in both feet at the same time, especially when getting out of bed or when walking after resting. Rheumatoid arthritis can also change the shape of the feet. Some people develop bunions, curled toes, or flat feet because the joints become weak and unstable. Pain in the ball of the foot is also common and can make standing or walking difficult. Swollen joints may feel warm and tender, and wearing shoes can become uncomfortable. A podiatrist can examine the feet, recommend supportive shoes, and provide custom orthotics that help reduce pain and improve movement. If you have foot pain that may be linked to arthritis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Torhorst, DPM  from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. 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 Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.