Achilles tendon bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac that cushions the area surrounding the tendon becomes inflamed. This condition can develop in bursa at the back of the heel or between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. Common causes of Achilles tendon bursitis include wearing ill-fitting shoes, repetitive pressure on the back of the heel, or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and difficulty walking. Managing Achilles tendon bursitis involves addressing the inflammation and relieving pressure on the heel. A chiropodist can help by recommending appropriate footwear, orthotic devices, and specific exercises to alleviate strain on the Achilles tendon. Regular visits to a chiropodist can aid in monitoring and treating Achilles tendon bursitis effectively. If you are experiencing heel pain that may be related to bursitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse

• Sudden increase in activity levels

• High impact injury

• Calf muscle tightness or weakness

• Altered foot biomechanics

• Heel bone spurs

• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise

• Chronic heel and calf pain

• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf

• A popping or snapping sensation

• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon

• Ankle and calf stiffness

• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg

• Applying ice 

• Compressing the foot and ankle

• Elevating the injured leg 

• Wearing orthotics

• Low impact exercises

• Stretches

• Strengthening exercises 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone injections

• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow channel located on the inside of the ankle. This compression often results in pain, tingling, or burning sensations along the inner ankle, sometimes extending to the toes. Symptoms can worsen with prolonged standing or walking, and may be experienced even at rest. Factors that can contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome include abnormal foot mechanics, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or the presence of cysts. A chiropodist can recommend orthotics to stabilize the foot and reduce pressure on the affected nerve. They may also suggest footwear modifications and provide supportive taping techniques to alleviate nerve tension. In more persistent cases, advanced imaging may be needed. If you are experiencing pain on the inner side of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot

• Numbness

• Shooting pain 

Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.  

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

Plantar warts are a common issue in children, appearing as small, rough growths on the bottom of their foot. These warts are caused by exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Plantar warts can make walking uncomfortable, often having a feeling that they are stepping on a small pebble. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts tend to grow inward because of pressure from standing and walking. While warts can sometimes go away on their own, they may persist and cause discomfort that requires treatment. A chiropodist can evaluate the severity of plantar warts and offer professional treatment, including cryotherapy, to remove them safely. The goal is to prevent the warts from spreading to other parts of your child’s body or to other children. If your child has a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.

Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on your feet, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like? 

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin. 

Treatment Options

• Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart

• Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen

• Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision

• Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart

• Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart

• Over-the-counter medications for pain relief

• Patches to keep pressure off the warts

Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.