Achilles Tendinitis

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a common sports-related injury that causes your Achilles tendon –– a thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone –– to become inflamed due to general wear-and-tear. 

Anyone can experience Achilles tendonitis, but it’s especially common in runners and middle-aged athletes. Most cases of Achilles tendonitis respond to conservative treatments, like ice and rest, but if your symptoms get worse, make an appointment at Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

The most obvious symptom of Achilles tendonitis is a dull ache at the back of your leg, just above your heel. Usually, the pain worsens following physical activity, like running, climbing stairs, or taking a walk. As the condition deepens, you might also experience stiffness or tenderness in the morning when you first wake up.

When should I visit a podiatrist about Achilles tendonitis?

If you experience pain in the back of your leg and it doesn’t improve with ice, rest, or elevation, make an appointment at the Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry. That’s particularly true if the pain is severe or it interferes with your ability to walk or put weight on your foot.

How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?

To diagnose Achilles tendonitis, your Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Next, they physically examine the back of your heel and calf, applying gentle pressure to determine the location of your pain, tenderness, or swelling.

Then, your provider assesses your flexibility and range of motion. If these measures aren’t enough to determine the cause of your pain, they might also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

Whenever possible, the team at Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry uses conservative, integrative treatments to manage Achilles tendonitis. For example, you might benefit from rest, ice, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.

If your symptoms continue or get worse, the team might recommend physical therapy, at-home strengthening exercises, or custom orthotics. If you rupture your tendon and it doesn’t heal, your provider might recommend surgery.