
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 surgeons, Drs. Rachel Balloch and Danielle Butto, offer surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help you.
The Anatomy of Achilles Tendinitis

We're Hartford County's Choice for Foot and Ankle Services Experience the Difference With Our Team
Doctors Specializing in Sports Injuries
Our foot and ankle specialists, Dr. Balloch and Dr. Butto, have 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
Dr Balloch was very thorough and provided immediate relief. Not to mention the staff is incredible too. Very friendly!! Highly recommend this office!!
View on GoogleAmazing 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!!
View on GoogleHow Do You Diagnose Achilles Tendinitis?
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
If you need surgery, our minimally invasive procedures allow you to bear partial or full weight as soon as surgery ends.
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.

A Real Patient's Experience With Achilles Tendon Care
"I have seen Dr Balloch a number of times for tendonitis in my left ankle and foot, which are related to running and training for races. She has been phenomenal and has single handedly kept me mobile, functional, and pain-free even through the torture of training for a marathon :) I have also seen Dr Butto who is no less personable, knowledgeable, and talented. I would also like to add that the staff here are incredibly nice and helpful. They’re lovely on the phone and in person. I can’t recommend Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists enough." Christy Lottinger
What If I Have Achilles Tendinitis And Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?

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

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.