Achilles Tendonitis

What is Achilles tendonitis?

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. Located at the back of your ankle joint, this tendon feels like a large cord that connects your calf muscles to the heel bone. Your Achilles tendon helps with many activities, including walking, running, jumping, and even balancing while you stand still. 

Achilles tendonitis is the most common injury to affect the Achilles tendon. This condition happens when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and causes pain. The expert team at Precision Podiatry diagnoses and treats Achilles tendonitis in individuals of all ages. 

Who is at risk for Achilles tendonitis?

Anyone can get Achilles tendonitis, but athletes and older adults are at especially high risk. Achilles tendonitis often occurs as a sports injury associated with running and jumping sports, such as:

• Running
• Tennis
• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Volleyball

Having a job that puts stress on your feet, such as manual labor, also increases your risk for Achilles tendonitis. 

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is one of the leading causes of pain behind the ankle. You may feel pain directly above your heel bone or closer to the calf muscles. The pain of Achilles tendonitis usually starts as a mild ache and worsens over time. 

How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?

Your Precision Podiatry provider can diagnose Achilles tendonitis by reviewing your medical history and symptoms and performing a physical exam. They check your ankle and lower leg for areas of swelling and tenderness as well as a restricted range of motion. They may also take a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to confirm or rule out a tendon tear. 

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

After they diagnose your condition, the team at Precision Podiatry develops an individualized treatment plan. Achilles tendonitis usually resolves with conservative treatments, including:

• Changing footwear
• Icing the Achilles tendon
• Modifying activities
• Stretching the Achilles tendon
• Avoiding walking barefoot or in low-heeled shoes
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen

If you can’t return to normal activities within a few weeks of treatment, they may also prescribe physical therapy and/or foot orthotics to facilitate healing. Partial or complete Achilles tendon tears may require more advanced treatment, such as surgery and immobilization in a cast.

It’s important to treat Achilles tendonitis as soon as possible — call Precision Podiatry to book an appointment today.