Achilles Tendonitis

What causes Achilles tendonitis?

Your Achilles tendon is the long band of connective tissue that helps you point and flex your foot. It runs all the way down the back of your leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. 

It can easily become inflamed (tendonitis) because of any of the following circumstances:

• Long-distance running
• Naturally flat arches
• Change in type of exercise or sport
• Sudden increase in exercise intensity, as with weekend warriors

In addition, the structure and stretching ability of your Achilles tendon weaken as you get older. 

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

If you have Achilles tendonitis, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Aching
• Sudden pain in the back of your ankle or calf
• Swelling on the back of your leg
• Difficulty walking and climbing stairs

Sharp pains or difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg could indicate that you have a more serious injury, such as an Achilles tendon tear. 

Because chronic Achilles tendonitis flare-ups can start lowering your quality of life, affecting your job, and decreasing your ability to train, schedule an exam with Dr. Geoghan no matter how minor your symptoms may seem.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

Achilles tendonitis is a soft tissue injury, and you need to let it rest in order to give it time to heal. Dr. Geoghan begins by recommending rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). 

At her practice, Dr. Geoghan combines different solutions to relieve acute pain and promote healing, so you can return to your normal activities as quickly as possible. Your Achilles tendon care plan may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Bracing, splinting, or compression wrapping
• Daily stretching and strengthening exercises
• Custom orthotic inserts
• Physical therapy

Most Achilles tendonitis issues start to subside within a few days of treatment, with continuing benefits week after week as your Achilles tendon heals. 

Though less common, sometimes Dr. Geoghan recommends surgery if several months of conservative treatments aren’t helping, or if you have a severe Achilles tendon rupture.

Book your Achilles tendonitis exam at the office of Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, today. Click on the online scheduler or call the office today.