Achilles Tendonitis Specialist

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis affects the Achilles tendon, the connective tissue that goes down the back of your lower leg and into your ankle.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, and it’s activated when you run, walk, jump, and climb. With Achilles tendonitis, the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated from overuse or injury.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

Signs of Achilles tendonitis vary from one person to the next. However, common symptoms  include:

• Pain along the Achilles tendon
• Stiffness or inability to fully move your ankle or lower leg
• Pain that gets worse with activity
• Chronic swelling that gets worse with activity

Achilles tendonitis is different than a ruptured Achilles tendon. When the tendon ruptures, you may feel a sudden snap or pop near the heel and experience extreme pain.

What causes Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is often associated with sports, but it’s not related to a specific injury. It most commonly develops due to repetitive motions or stress on the affected part of the body.

Some of the most common causes of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Tight calf muscles: puts extra pressure on the Achilles tendon
• Sudden exercise changes: increasing your physical activity dramatically or pushing yourself harder than usual
• Bone spurs: extra bone growth in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel

If the condition develops and you do not seek treatment, it may get worse with activity and lead to other foot injuries or complications.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

Most people benefit from non-surgical treatments for Achilles tendonitis. Depending on your unique needs and symptoms, your physician may recommend rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, and physical therapy.

Some people need cortisone injections to manage swelling and inflammation. You may also need custom shoe orthotics to help support your feet and muscles of your lower leg.

If your symptoms don’t resolve with non-surgical treatments, your physician may recommend surgery to help repair the damaged tissue.

To learn more about Achilles tendonitis treatment at Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists, call the practice today or book an appointment online.