Achilles Tendinitis
The Anatomy of Achilles Tendinitis
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
Karen Tessman
Avon, CT
2022
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 GoogleJosh Silverman
Avon, CT
2022
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!!
View on GoogleHow 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.
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.
TendoNova® + PRP A Minimally Invasive Solution
We work hard to exhaust conservative treatment options for Achilles tendinitis, which is why we’re excited to introduce the TendoNova® procedure to our patients. TendoNova treats chronic tendon injuries at their source using ultrasound technology for incredible precision. Similar to Tenex, it allows our doctors to gently break up scar tissue–an important step to end discomfort for good.
While it’s an effective treatment on its own, we combine TendoNova with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities using your own tissue. This provides even greater benefits in several areas.
Talk with your doctor about whether combining TendoNova + PRP is right for you. Good candidates can expect to see better results, longer-lasting relief, shorter recovery times, and a reduced risk of complications.
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?
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.
