What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that occurs when your Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects your heel to the back of your lower leg, becomes swollen and painful. You might experience Achilles tendonitis after a sports injury, heavy sports training, or excessive running, jumping, or walking.
What are the risk factors for tendonitis?
Anybody can experience tendonitis, but your risk of developing it increases if you:
- Suddenly increase the duration or intensity of exercise
- Run on hard surfaces regularly
- Have tight calf muscles
- Jump a lot
- Don’t wear comfortable footwear
- Are middle-aged or an older adult
- Play high-impact sports regularly
- Have flat feet
Wear comfortable shoes, take a day off from intense exercise to let your body rest, and stretch regularly to lower your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?
The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have Achilles tendonitis:
- Mild aching pain in the lower portion of the back of your leg
- Pain at or just above your heel
- Discomfort after playing sports, running, or stair climbing
- Tenderness, especially in the morning
- Stiffness that might improve with mild activity
- Swelling or warmth near your Achilles tendon
Avoid strenuous activity until Achilles tendonitis heals, as putting too much strain on the injured area can cause a tear that requires surgical repair.
How is Achilles tendonitis treated?
A podiatrist at Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists reviews your symptoms and examines your ankle to determine if you have signs of Achilles tendonitis. They may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI, to diagnose your injury. Your personalized treatment plan might include:
RICE
At-home RICE therapy, or rest, ice, compression, and elevation, may help your injury heal without further treatment.
Physical therapy
Your podiatrist might recommend strength and stretching exercises during physical therapy sessions to help you recover faster.
Medications
Taking medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain while your injury heals.
Footwear changes
Your provider might recommend wearing a boot or brace, special soft shoes, or shoe inserts to help your Achilles tendon heal properly and ease discomfort.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, is a non-surgical procedure that uses low-dose sound waves to target damaged tissue and activate your body’s natural healing response.
Laser therapy
Your doctor might recommend laser therapy using the revolutionary K-Laser to decrease inflammation, alleviate pain, and accelerate healing.
Don’t let untreated Achilles tendonitis sideline you from sports or cause a more serious injury. Schedule an appointment with Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists by phone or online today.
