Conditions & Treatments
Foot & Ankle
The Foot and Ankle Program at UConn Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides comprehensive diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitative services for foot and ankle conditions. We care for a wide range of common foot problems, along with sports-related injuries, foot and ankle trauma, neuromuscular disorders, arthritis, and diabetes care.
Our staff includes orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and physical therapists. Certified orthotists are available when custom orthotics or braces are required. Our specialists also partner with a wide range of medical professionals, including endocrinologists, neurologists, infectious disease specialists, vascular surgeons, and plastic surgeons when necessary to develop a custom treatment plan for you.
Conditions & Treatments
- Achilles Injury, Tendonitis, or Rupture - a common sports-related injury, the Achilles tendon is in the back of the foot, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.
- Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle - osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and inflammatory arthritis require treatments ranging from arch supports to medications to complex reconstructions.
- Broken Ankle - a break in one of the three ankle bones that sometimes requires surgery.
- Bunions - a condition caused by misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender. The deformity causes the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes.
- Charcot Foot - a disease that affects people with neuropathy. It can cause redness, swelling, and the area can feel warm to the touch.
- Complex Diabetic Conditions - we use a multidisciplinary approach with consultation available from specialists in endocrinology, vascular, and plastic surgery.
- Hammertoe - a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance of tendons or ligaments that hold the toe straight, and the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint.
- Heel Fracture - a common injury where there is a crack in the heel bone.
- High Arched Feet - a structural deformity that causes a permanent excessive flex of the foot.
- Mallet Toes - similar to a hammertoe, a mallet toe is caused by an imbalance of tendons and ligaments, but the abnormal bend is at the top joint instead of the middle joint.
- Morton's Neuroma - a condition where the thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve in the foot can cause chronic pain.
- Nerve Damage and Tendon Injury - these conditions can cause many symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, and a pinching sensation.
- Plantar Fasciitis - a condition caused by inflammation of the fascia or the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle - RA can cause a host of conditions in the feet and ankles, including swelling, pain, stiffness, soreness, and warmth to the touch.
- Sports Injuries - from complex joint, muscle, and ligament disorders to sprains and strains, our specialists are highly trained in treating sports injuries to the feet and ankles.
- Sprained Ankle - twisting or rolling an ankle can stretch the ligaments that stabilize, causing a sprain.
- Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle - stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that are often caused by overuse and repetitive motion. People with osteoporosis are also prone to stress fractures.