Achilles Tendon Injuries Specialist

What are Achilles tendon injuries?

The Achilles tendon is a long, fibrous band of tissue that runs from the back of the heel to the calf. It helps you point your toes downward and allows you to walk and run. Overstretching the tendon can inflame it, causing pain in the back of your heel. This is called Achilles tendinitis.

The Achilles tendon can also rupture and severely restrict your mobility. 

While some Achilles tendon injuries heal on their own, treatment from a board-certified podiatrist can help accelerate your recovery. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, the podiatrists use the latest techniques to diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries?

Depending on the severity of the damage, an Achilles tendon injury can cause:

• Stiffness and pain in the back of the heel
• Pain when wearing shoes
• Pain that intensifies when you wake up in the morning
• Intense pain the morning after you exercise
• Visible swelling
• Difficulty bending the foot downward

A popping sound can also occur if your Achilles tendon ruptures. This is a severe injury that requires immediate medical attention.

What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

Achilles tendon injuries typically occur as a result of overuse. Repetitive movements, such as running and jumping, increase your risk of inflammation. Accidents like falling can also cause Achilles tendon injuries. Risk factors for these injuries include:

• Being ages 30-40
• Playing basketball or soccer
• Running long distances
• Taking certain antibiotics
• Carrying excess weight
• Being male

Steroid injections for ankle pain can also increase your risk of Achilles tendon injuries.

What are the treatments for Achilles tendon injuries?

Achilles tendon treatment depends on the severity of your injury. The podiatrists at Advanced Foot and Ankle specialists take a conservative, nonsurgical approach to treatment whenever possible to relieve pain in the tendon. 

Achilles tendon treatments your podiatrist may recommend include:

• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE protocol)
• Physical therapy to improve flexibility and range of motion
• Soft tissue mobilization to promote blood circulation
• Custom-made orthotics to cushion and support the tendon
• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain

If nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve your pain, your podiatrist may perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon through small, keyhole-sized incisions. 

This minimally invasive treatment offers a variety of benefits, including a shorter recovery time and less pain, bleeding, and scarring than with traditional open surgery. 

To learn more about Achilles tendon injuries, call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.