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Treatment Options for Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone is called Achilles insertional tendinopathy. This condition often develops gradually and can be stubborn to resolve. Treatment usually begins with reducing strain on the tendon. Activity modification is important, especially avoiding hills, stairs, and sudden increases in exercise. Wearing supportive shoes with a slightly elevated heel can decrease tension at the site. Stretching should be approached carefully, since aggressive stretching may worsen symptoms in this area. Targeted exercises often focus on strengthening the lower leg muscles and improving ankle motion in a controlled way. Anti-inflammatory measures may help calm pain and swelling. In some cases, orthotics or heel lifts are used to improve foot mechanics and reduce stress on the tendon. Advanced options may be considered if pain persists. When heel pain limits walking or daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. 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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Common Causes of Foot Stress Fractures

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Foot stress fractures related to activity develop when repeated force overwhelms the bones in the feet. Pain often begins gradually in the forefoot, heel, or midfoot and increases during activity, with soreness that continues afterward. Sports involving running, jumping, or direction changes strain foot bones like the metatarsals, calcaneus, and navicular, though athletes are not the only people affected. Risk factors include sudden increases in training, uneven foot alignment, flat feet or high arches, and prior fractures. Footwear choices like flip-flops or shoes that lack support can increase stress. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, order imaging to confirm the diagnosis, and recommend treatment to reduce long-term complications. If you have symptoms of foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Growing Pains That Start in the Heel

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents during growth spurts. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it is often tender to touch. It commonly feels sore, aching, or sharp, especially during or after sports, running, or jumping. Pain may improve with rest but returns with activity. A podiatrist can help from the start by reviewing activity levels, examining foot structure and gait, and confirming the diagnosis while ruling out other heel conditions. Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the heel and may include activity modification, heel cushions, supportive footwear, and guidance on proper warm-up and recovery. In some cases, short-term rest or immobilization may be needed to allow healing. Early care helps relieve pain, support healthy growth, and prevent ongoing discomfort. If your child is having heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Friday, 09 January 2026

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Living With Wear and Tear in the Foot and Ankle

Tuesday, 06 January 2026

As we move through life, the joints in the foot and ankle can gradually lose their smooth cushioning, leading to discomfort that feels deep, slow to warm up, and more noticeable with activity. Many people describe a steady ache after walking, stiffness when getting out of bed, or mild swelling that makes shoes feel tight. Some notice a catching or crunching sensation, while others feel fatigue in the surrounding muscles as they work harder to support the joint. A podiatrist can sort through these symptoms with a hands on exam and imaging to identify which joints are involved and how much change has occurred. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom inserts, bracing, exercises that improve joint function, or in-office therapies that calm irritation. If your foot and ankle symptoms continue to affect daily movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

Swelling
Pain
Stiffness
Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.