close up of a sprinter-s achilles heel

Achilles Tendinitis

Whether you love to run or you're experiencing tendon changes that come with aging, you may be prone to Achilles tendinitis. It's accompanied by pain, inflammation, and trouble with daily movement. Fortunately, it's treatable at our Hartford County, CT, office. ​Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Rachel Balloch offers surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help you.

The Anatomy of Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis diagram
Your Achilles tendon starts at the back of your foot, going up to your calf. Like all tendons, it connects a bone to a muscle. In this case, that's the calcaneus (or the heel bone) and calf muscles. The Achilles tendon can become swollen or painful due to repeated stress. Achilles tendinitis can be aggravated each time you use your foot. If you noticed repeated pain while exercising or walking, contact us.

We're Hartford County's Choice for Foot and Ankle Services Experience the Difference With Our Team

​Coming to our Avon, CT, office for your Achilles treatments means that you'll have access to:

Doctors Specializing in Sports Injuries

Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Balloch, has special expertise in sports injuries — a common cause of Achilles tendinitis. If you've hurt your Achilles tendon while playing a sport or running, they can provide personalized care.

Board Certification

Both of our doctors are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in two different specialities: foot and ankle surgery, as well as reconstructive rearfoot surgery.

Minimally Invasive Options

We pride ourselves in using minimally-invasive options like gastrocnemius recession and Tenex procedures. They allow you to heal easier, and they often help patients feel more peace of mind during the treatment process.

If you're curious to learn more about our team, qualifications, or treatment options, contact us any time. We're happy to discuss the insurance providers we accept, as well as walk you through financing information. You can also reach our Hartford County office at

860-674-0284

Hartford County, CT, Relies on Us When They Need Foot and Ankle Care

1

Karen Tessman

Avon, CT

2022

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Dr Balloch was very thorough and provided immediate relief. Not to mention the staff is incredible too. Very friendly!! Highly recommend this office!!

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1

Josh Silverman

Avon, CT

2022

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Amazing experience!! They saw me on-time and had a great solution for my foot problem. I would give this team 6 stars if I could!!

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How Do You Diagnose Achilles Tendinitis?

We use two different ways to diagnose your Achilles tendinitis: X-rays and MRIs.

X-rays

Our team employs X-rays or radiographs as our first option to diagnose Achilles problems. Radiographs are especially useful in detecting whether or not your Achilles tendon has experienced a rupture. Once you have a diagnosis, we can begin conservative treatments, like the Tenex procedure.

MRIs

In some cases, a tendon condition may not see any changes, despite being treated by conservative procedures. When that happens, we use magnetic resonance imaging, or an MRI, to get a precise look at your Achilles tendon pathology. This option can also confirm a bursitis diagnosis.

Find a Solution for Tendon Inflammation and Pain With Achilles Tendinitis Surgery

Traditional Achilles tendon surgeries require six weeks off your feet while you heal. Our minimally invasive options, on the other hand, allow you to bear partial or full weight as soon as the procedure ends. 
If you need surgery, our minimally invasive procedures allow you to bear partial or full weight as soon as surgery ends.
If you need surgery, our minimally invasive procedures allow you to bear partial or full weight as soon as surgery ends.

Gastrocnemius Recession

We offer gastrocnemius recession for those experiencing symptoms like tightness of the Achilles tendon and trouble with everyday walking. During this surgical treatment, we will make your calf muscles longer. This allows you to heal from any injuries or inflammation, and go back to a modified exercise routine.

Debridement

For some patients, the best option for their health is to have the injured parts of their Achilles tendon taken out entirely. If this happens, we may also be able to ensure that your foot and Achilles tendon remains fully functional by completing a tendon transfer. We'll make sure to follow treatment by showing you how to protect your Achilles in the future.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatment With the Tenex Procedure

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer a state-of-the art treatment designed to resolve your tendon condition: the Tenex procedure. Unlike our other tendon treatments targeting the Achilles, this option is non-surgical. Our doctors use it to address reoccurring discomfort affecting your tendons.

The Tenex procedure starts with an ultrasound of the tendon area to precisely locate scar tissue. With assistance from an ultrasonic needle, we then directly address scar tissue on your tendon. It usually takes just one session to ensure that your scar tissue is safely removed from your Achilles tendon. 

One last benefit of the Tenex procedure? The recovery time. Unlike tendon surgeries, you can be completely healed and ready for everyday activities in just 4 to 6 weeks.

Tenex needle during procedure

A Real Patient's Experience With Achilles Tendon Care

"I have suffered for almost 30 years with terrible foot pain. I had 4 corrective surgeries that all failed. Over the years I have investigated pt, other therapies, but no one has given me any hope of walking comfortably. My GP recommended Dr. Balloch and she is worth the wait! The office is friendly and runs smoothly, dealing with all the complications of taking time off, choosing medical equipment, everything you could possibly need for recuperation. She understood my issue, diagnosed me quickly and did my first surgery within a month. This was the most painless surgery, recovery was amazing. Dr Balloch had frequent check-in appointments to ensure I was healing properly. I have a long way to go to finish the corrections but I am confident and secure knowing Dr Balloch and her team will help me through it. I can't recommend this office enough. If you are looking for a thoughtful and skilled surgeon, make an appointment with Dr. Balloch." Kelly Hellandbrand

What If I Have Achilles Tendinitis And Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?

Inflamed ankle

During your consultation at our Hartford County, CT, practice, you may learn that you have retrocalcaneal bursitis, too. Also known as heel bursitis, it commonly occurs along with Achilles tendinitis.

Essentially, it affects your retrocalcaneal bursa, which is a pouch of fluid that pads your Achilles and heel bone. When you have Achilles tendinitis, this area can become painful and inflamed. Once you come for your consultation, we can diagnose both Achilles tendinitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis.

Can You Help With Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?

Yes, we can. Our team specializes in a variety of ailments affecting your foot, ankle, and tendons. Fortunately, behind the heel bursitis is treatable through stretching and non-surgical options like:

  • Cortisone Injection Therapy
  • Oral Steroids
  • Non-Steroidal Medications
  • Night Splints
  • Physical Therapy
  • Custom Orthotics
  • At-Home Icing
  • Changes to Exercise Routines

Struggling with Retrocalcaneal Bursitis? We Offer Effective PiezoWave Therapy

PiezoWave therapy

For a modern form of physical therapy, our Hartford County, CT, team provides PiezoWave Therapy. Basically, PiezoWave therapy employs sound waves to the Achilles tendon and retrocalcaneal bursa.

It's administered by a wand, which gives off sound waves. Because the waves emerge at a high frequency, they can actually encourage healing. After treatment, you may notice that the swelling or discomfort in your Achilles and retrocalcaneal bursa has subsided.

Dr. Balloch

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, you can expect to receive the finest care from Dr. Rachel Balloch:

  • Board-certified in foot, reconstructive rearfoot, and ankle surgery
  • Over 12 years of experience
  • Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
  • Extensively trained in diverse foot and ankle conditions

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at (860) 674-0284.

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