aCHILLES TENDONITIS Treatment
Achilles tendonitis is simply inflammation of the achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. It is one of the most common tendon injuries and should always be treated as early as possible. Achilles heel pain is a condition that can be quite debilitating and is usually associated with swelling and pain.
what is achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is a type of inflammation that affects the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon in the back of the leg that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain, and it can cause pain and stiffness in the tendon, especially when walking or running.
symptoms
The main symptom of Achilles tendonitis is pain in the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon in the back of the leg that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Other symptoms may include:
- Stiffness or soreness in the tendon, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Swelling or tenderness in the tendon
- Pain that gets worse with activity, such as running or jumping
- Difficulty flexing the foot or pointing the toes
Meet with our team to get started on your treatment.
what causes tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon. This can occur as a result of:
- Participating in activities that involve a lot of running or jumping, such as sports like basketball or tennis
- Increasing the intensity or duration of your workouts too quickly
- Wearing shoes that do not provide enough support or cushioning
- Having poor flexibility or muscle strength, which can put extra strain on the tendon
Other factors that may increase your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis include:
- Age: The risk of developing the condition increases with age
- Sex: Men are more likely to develop Achilles tendonitis than women
- Foot type: People with flat feet or high arches may be more prone to the condition
- Previous injuries: A history of ankle or foot injuries may increase the risk of developing Achilles tendonitis
It is important to take proper care of your feet and ankles to help prevent Achilles tendonitis and other related injuries. This may include wearing appropriate footwear, warming up and stretching before physical activity, and gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts.
achilles tendonitis treatment
Treatment typically begins with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy. Your doctor may also recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Other treatment options include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: A physical therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve flexibility and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon.
- Orthotic inserts: Custom orthotic inserts for your shoes can help correct any foot or ankle issues that may be contributing to the condition.
- Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the area around the tendon may be used to help reduce inflammation.