Basketball demands explosive movement, sudden stops, and powerful jumps, putting intense stress on the Achilles tendon. A rupture often happens during quick changes in direction or when a player pushes off forcefully while driving, pivoting, or landing from a jump. The injury is commonly linked to a sudden stretch of the tendon as the ankle bends upward faster than the body can react. Players sometimes describe hearing a pop or feeling as if they were kicked from behind. Immediate pain, swelling, and loss of strength follow, making it impossible to continue playing. Recovery usually involves immobilization or surgery, followed by targeted exercises  to rebuild strength and flexibility. Preventive care, such as calf strengthening, stretching, and wearing proper basketball shoes, helps reduce risk. If you are a basketball player and think you have sustained an achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you seek prompt evaluation by a podiatrist to ensure the best outcome and a safe return to the court.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the big toe, making it difficult to bend or push off while walking. Over time, the joint loses flexibility as cartilage wears down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and aching pain, especially during motion. Some people notice a bump forming on top of the toe joint, which can make wearing certain shoes uncomfortable. Because this joint plays a key role in balance and forward movement, even small limitations can affect overall mobility. Early treatment focuses on reducing joint stress with supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory care. In more advanced cases, surgery may help to restore comfort and function. If your big toe feels stiff or sore when walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common problem can make even the simplest tasks uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can relieve the pressure by gently lifting or trimming the affected nail, and treating any infection that may be present. For more advanced cases, a minor in-office procedure can prevent the nail from growing inward again. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and trimming nails straight across can help reduce future problems. Proper care not only eases discomfort, but also restores confidence in walking and daily movement. If you notice swelling, pain, or drainage around your toenail, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes occur when one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often due to muscle imbalance, wearing tight shoes, or underlying structural problems. When conservative treatments such as padding, footwear changes, or splints no longer relieve discomfort, surgery may be considered. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the affected toe, relieve pressure, and restore normal alignment. A podiatrist may remove a small piece of bone, release a tightened tendon, or realign the joint, depending on the severity of the deformity. Recovery typically involves rest, wearing protective footwear, and a gradual return to activity with guidance from your podiatrist. If you are experiencing pain, irritation, or difficulty wearing shoes due to a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss whether surgical correction may be the best option for long-term comfort and function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.