Achilles Tendinitis

Whether you’re walking, running, climbing, or simply standing still, your Achilles tendon plays a significant role in each of these efforts. So, when tendinitis strikes, your life can be limited in significant ways. At Bosque Foot and Ankle in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Stephanie Parks, DPM, Justin Ward, DPM, and the team understand the importance of a healthy Achilles tendon and work with you until you regain pain-free mobility. To receive expert care for your Achilles tendinitis, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What is the Achilles tendon?

Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, and it attaches the large muscles in your calf — the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles — to the back of your heel bone. Located at the back of your ankle, your Achilles tendon is critical to your mobility and balance.

What causes Achilles tendinitis?

Your Achilles tendon is an extremely hard-working connective tissue, and its job is made all the more difficult because of the pressure your strong calf muscles place on the tissue. Over time, this constant pulling and stretching can take a toll, especially as you get older and your tendons begin to naturally lose their elasticity and strength. In fact, Achilles tendinitis is more common as you enter your 40s, 50s, and beyond, but the condition can strike at any age.

Achilles tendinitis develops when tiny tears form in your tendon, which causes pain and inflammation. These tears typically develop slowly, but tendinitis can also strike fairly quickly if you take up a new activity or suddenly increase the stress load on the tissue.

What are the signs of Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis typically starts out as a dull ache around the tendon, which may intensify after activity. You may also experience stiffness in your ankle, especially when you get up in the morning, as well as tenderness.

How is Achilles tendon pain diagnosed and treated?

After reviewing your symptoms, your Bosque Foot and Ankle Podiatrist performs a physical examination and turns to an ultrasound to closely examine your tendon. Bosque Foot and Ankle is equipped with the latest diagnostic imaging, including in-house ultrasound, which means you can get a diagnosis more quickly.

Once your podiatrist understands the extent of your Achilles tendinitis, they typically recommend a conservative treatment plan to start, which includes:

• Rest
• Icing
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Orthotics or therapeutic footwear

If your tendinitis is advanced, making you more vulnerable to a serious tear or rupture, your podiatrist may recommend you wear a boot to give your tendon time to heal. 

Achilles tendinitis rarely requires surgery, but if you tear the tendon, your podiatrist may need to go in and repair the tendon surgically.

Don't live with Achilles tendinitis; call Bosque Foot and Ankle or request an appointment online today.