Foot Care 2 You
Trusted Podiatrists serving West Orange, NJ, Toms River, NJ, Bloomfield, NJ & Elmwood Park, N
The Achilles tendon is the largest in your body, joining muscles and bones in your leg and ankle. Inflammation of the tendon can cause Achilles tendonitis, a condition that needs prompt, expert treatment at specialist podiatric clinic Foot Care 2 You, with branches in West Orange, Toms River, Elmwood Park, and Bloomfield, New Jersey. Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can cause chronic pain and weakness in your ankle, so call Foot Care 2 You today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment using the online form.
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Achilles Tendonitis
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in your body.
The Achilles tendon runs from your lower leg down the back of your ankle and into the foot, attaching your leg muscles to your bones. It acts like a very strong rubber band, allowing your ankle joint to work properly and keeping it stable.
When the Achilles tendon suffers damage or irritation, it can cause the inflammation that results in Achilles tendonitis.
What causes Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis could develop because of:
- Increasing activity levels
- Overuse injuries
- Unsuitable footwear
- Traumatic injury
- Increasing body weight
- Short tendons
- Flat feet
- Effects of aging
- Growth spurts in children
These factors can all cause the fibers that make up the Achilles tendon to tear, or adhesions can form between the tendon and the paratenon sleeve that surrounds it, leading to inflammation and pain.
How is Achilles tendonitis treated?
If you suffer an acute tendon injury, or your ankle starts to swell, the priority is reducing the pain and inflammation. You can achieve this by following the RICE protocol – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. That means you should put your feet up, wrap the ankle in a compression bandage, and apply icepacks to the injury.
Your podiatrist at Foot Care 2 You creates a treatment plan for your Achilles tendonitis based on the cause of your injury and the extent of any tissue damage. After a thorough exam and testing such as CT, MRI, X-ray, or bone scan, they decide which of the following treatments will benefit you.
- Gentle stretching
- Massage
- Taping
- Supportive footwear
- Custom orthotics
- Heel cup or lift
- Arch supports
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Steroid injections
You may also need to use crutches or wear a brace or CAM walker boot to take the pressure off of the Achilles tendon while it heals.
Physical therapy and therapeutic technologies such as electrical stimulation, laser therapy, and ultrasound can be highly beneficial for keeping the tendon flexible and repairing the damage.
If your Achilles tendonitis doesn’t respond to these conservative treatments, you may need to consider undergoing surgery, which usually involves minimally invasive techniques. The team at Foot Care 2 You uses the Tenex Health TX™ procedure, an innovative minimally invasive option for treating Achilles tendonitis.
If you think you’ve injured your Achilles tendon or suspect Achilles tendonitis, get the most effective treatments for your condition by calling Foot Care 2 You today, or book an appointment using the online form.