Items filtered by date: October 2025

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus, to the heel bone, or calcaneus. Structurally, it is composed of dense collagen fibers arranged in parallel bundles that provide both strength and flexibility. These fibers allow the tendon to withstand high tension during activities like walking, running, and jumping. The tendon is surrounded by a sheath that helps reduce friction and provides lubrication for smooth movement. Functionally, the Achilles tendon plays a key role in movement and stability. It transmits the powerful force generated by the calf muscles to lift the heel off the ground, enabling push-off during walking or sprinting. It also helps maintain balance and absorb shock during impact. Because of the stress it endures, the Achilles tendon is prone to overuse injuries, especially in athletes and active individuals. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM of Board Certified Foot Care. 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 Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the inner side of the foot, known as medial foot pain, can affect the area from the inside of the heel through the arch to the big toe. A common cause of medial foot pain is posterior tibial tendonitis. This is an irritation of the tendon that helps support the arch and allows you to push off when walking. Stress fractures, which are small cracks in bones such as the navicular or first metatarsal, may also cause this type of pain that often worsens with activity. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, may also cause inner heel pain. A podiatrist can identify the source of discomfort and provide the proper treatment. If you have pain in the middle of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this type of foot pain. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. 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 Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have endured a broken toe often notice daily activities can be difficult to accomplish. Many people fracture their toe from trauma, such as dropping something heavy on it, or by stubbing it against a piece of furniture. The symptoms often experienced with this type of injury include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and the affected area may appear to be bruised. Minor fractures can be treated effectively by using the buddy taping method. This consists of taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this is often helpful in providing the necessary support as the healing process begins. It is beneficial to rest and elevate the affected foot, and this may help to diminish any existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin the best course of treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Fungal infections are a frequent problem for people with active lifestyles, and one of the most well-known is commonly called athlete’s foot. This condition often develops in warm, damp spaces such as gym locker rooms, community showers, or inside shoes that trap moisture. The infection usually begins between the toes and may cause itching, burning, redness, or peeling skin. In some cases, the problem can spread to the toenails, creating thickened or brittle nails that are harder to treat. Preventive steps include wearing breathable socks, rotating shoes to let them dry fully, and never walking barefoot in public facilities. Mild antifungal creams often bring relief, but stubborn or recurrent cases may require prescription medication. If you notice ongoing irritation or scaling on your feet that does not improve, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.