The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in walking, running, and pushing off the ground, which makes injuries to this structure both painful and limiting. Problems can occur from overuse, tight calf muscles, sudden increases in activity, or wearing improper footwear. Common conditions include tendonitis, which causes inflammation and soreness, and tendinosis, which involves gradual weakening of the tendon fibers. More severe achilles tendon injuries, such as partial tears or complete ruptures, may happen during explosive movements or sports activities. Symptoms often include sharp or aching pain along the back of the heel, stiffness in the morning, swelling, or difficulty rising onto the toes. Early care focuses on reducing strain through rest, stretching, and wearing supportive footwear. More advanced injuries may require immobilization, targeted exercises, or surgical correction. If you notice ongoing pain or difficulty with everyday movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM of Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 Londonderry, NH and Salem, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Walking and running shoes are designed differently to match how the feet move during each activity. Walking shoes usually have a flatter shape with flexible soles that support a smooth heel to toe motion. Running shoes are often more curved and lightweight to absorb higher impact forces. Support also varies, as walking shoes focus on stability, while running shoes provide added structure to control motion during faster strides. Cushioning is typically firmer in walking shoes, while running shoes offer more shock absorption to protect joints from repeated impact. Choosing the wrong shoe can lead to foot, ankle, or knee discomfort. A podiatrist can help by evaluating gait, foot structure, and activity level to recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics. If foot pain or fatigue occurs during walking or running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your desired activity. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM from Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Ankle osteoarthritis develops when the joint wears down, often years after an earlier ankle injury. Damage from a past sprain or fracture can change how the ankle moves and put more pressure on the joint’s thin layer of cartilage. This can lead to swelling, stiffness, and pain that sometimes spreads into the middle or back of the foot. People may also notice grinding or popping when they point or flex their toes. In addition, the ankle can feel less flexible when walking, especially when wearing flip-flops. Extra body weight and repeated hard impact on the feet put more strain on the ankle and increase discomfort. A podiatrist can examine the ankle joint and order imaging to check the cartilage and ligaments to determine a course of treatment. Options include bracing and inserts for support or surgery when the damage is severe. If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis in the ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM from Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Londonderry, NH and Salem, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle that feels unstable can create a sense that the joint is too loose. This is often due to stretched ligaments on the outer side of the ankle that can no longer hold the joint firmly in place. Looseness can develop after repeated sprains or a single major injury, and people sometimes notice the ankle rolling inward more easily during walking. A high-arched foot or a heel that tilts inward can increase strain on the ligaments and contribute to ankle instability. Pain might occur on either side of the ankle because altered mechanics put stress on nearby structures, like the peroneal tendons. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, check ligament stability, and review imaging to determine whether the issue is true mechanical instability or pain that mimics it. Surgery may be considered if the stretched ligaments do not respond to more conservative care. If you feel like your ankle "gives way," when standing or walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM from Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Londonderry, NH and Salem, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.