FOOT, LEG & ANKLE PAIN
Podiatrists, Foot & Ankle Surgeons in Bridgewater, Denville, Hillsborough, Little Falls, Newton, Plainfield, Vernon, Roselle Park, Princeton & Fair Lawn, NJ
Tendon Injury
Achilles tendinitis is a medical condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It allows a person to extend the foot and point the toes to the floor. This is also the thickest, longest and strongest tendon of the body. Generally, tendons such as the Achilles tendon do not heal rapidly or completely. A lifestyle change is sometimes needed to prevent the recurrence of Achilles tendinitis. The aim in treating Achilles tendinitis is to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling.
Tendon Injury Treatment includes: resting the leg, cold compression therapy, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, heel lift and using of a brace or cast to keep the heel and tendon still. Surgery may be needed if the symptoms do not improve.
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury. They involve possible joint damage resulting in swelling, instability and pain, to more severe damage, such as torn ligaments, bruised cartilage and broken bones. Immediate treatment includes rest, ice, compression and anti-inflammatories. If untreated sprained ankles may result in prolonged symptoms. These can include chronic pain or ankle instability, that makes a person prone to repetitive injury later in life and arthritic changes.
The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey utilizes cutting edge technology to determine if there is a fracture, dislocation or torn ligaments. If you've sprained your ankle or have a history of ankle sprains, early evaluation and aggressive treatment is the best way to avoid chronic pain, instability and arthritis of the involved joints.
Foot & Ankle Fractures
There are many different types of fractures or breaks. A bone can be broken and the fragments can be out of position. We call this a displaced fracture. Conversely, if they are in good alignment it's called a non-displaced fracture. If a bone is broken and you can barely see it on an x-ray, it is a hairline fracture. Finally, if a bone is broken and one of the fragments has punctured the skin, we call this an open or compound fracture. Since open fractures can easily become infected immediate surgical management is required. Broken bones are usually splinted initially to prevent bone movement and further damage to the soft tissues that surround them. If the fracture is displaced it may need to be set. In certain fractures, setting them can be difficult. In these types of fractures, surgery is also indicated. This will provide the best opportunity for healing. Most fractures can be managed in a cast without going to the OR. Even simple fractures of the toes respond very well to this treatment. We do put casts on toes. Not the plaster or fiberglass most people think of. Instead, we use a mesh tape which holds the toe in place.