Treating Achilles Tendonitis
- posted: May 05, 2024
Tendonitis occurs when any tendon becomes inflamed (i.e., swells) after damage, overuse, or injury. According to Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates, with offices in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, Achilles tendonitis occurs when the connecting tendon between the back of your leg and your heel becomes swollen and painful.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon—the largest and strongest tendon in the body—is specifically responsible for connecting your two large calf muscles with your heel, transmitting the power and force of the calf muscles to the foot. Together, this combo allows you to push your foot down, which is vital for walking, running, and jumping. Poor-fitting shoes, trauma, overuse, or natural overpronation may lead to this issue.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
Classic symptoms of an inflamed Achilles tendon may manifest as -
- Tender or localized pain that worsens when moving.
- Swelling often accompanied by heat or redness.
- A crackling sensation in the affected tendon when moving.
However, tendonitis that develops from arthritis is typically a more common cause for older adults because it is a function of the aging process.
Note that if your tendon pain is sudden and intense – happening while playing sports or during an accident, this may be indicative of a ruptured tendon, which needs immediate medical attention.
Treating Achilles Tendonitis
For mild cases, follow a R.I.C.E. protocol for 2 to 3 days to help with pain and support your tendon. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, along with OTC anti-inflammatory medication, is often an effective treatment option.
- Rest.
- Ice – place ice on the tendon every two hours – for no longer than 20 minutes. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
- Compress the area with an elastic bandage or soft brace.
- Elevate –your ankle, as this helps reduce swelling.
Other podiatric treatment options include -
- Orthotics—Custom-made corrective shoe inserts offer muscle support and relief from tendon stress.
- Therapeutic exercises, massage, ultrasound, and stretching are effective treatment options for weak muscles in the front of the leg and calf.
If your Achilles tendon pain is severe, persistent, or your movement remains restricted -
- Steroid injections may be an option that provides short-term relief.
- Surgery is another option should there be a ruptured tendon or damaged tissue that needs repair.
Contact a Leading Podiatrist with 3 Idaho Locations
If you live in and around Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, and would like more information, contact Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews or a staff member of the Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates at 208-327-0627 (Boise), 208-463-1660 (Nampa/Caldwell), 208-888-9876 (Meridian), or online.
- posted: May 05, 2024
Tendonitis occurs when any tendon becomes inflamed (i.e., swells) after damage, overuse, or injury. According to Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates, with offices in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, Achilles tendonitis occurs when the connecting tendon between the back of your leg and your heel becomes swollen and painful.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon—the largest and strongest tendon in the body—is specifically responsible for connecting your two large calf muscles with your heel, transmitting the power and force of the calf muscles to the foot. Together, this combo allows you to push your foot down, which is vital for walking, running, and jumping. Poor-fitting shoes, trauma, overuse, or natural overpronation may lead to this issue.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
Classic symptoms of an inflamed Achilles tendon may manifest as -
- Tender or localized pain that worsens when moving.
- Swelling often accompanied by heat or redness.
- A crackling sensation in the affected tendon when moving.
However, tendonitis that develops from arthritis is typically a more common cause for older adults because it is a function of the aging process.
Note that if your tendon pain is sudden and intense – happening while playing sports or during an accident, this may be indicative of a ruptured tendon, which needs immediate medical attention.
Treating Achilles Tendonitis
For mild cases, follow a R.I.C.E. protocol for 2 to 3 days to help with pain and support your tendon. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, along with OTC anti-inflammatory medication, is often an effective treatment option.
- Rest.
- Ice – place ice on the tendon every two hours – for no longer than 20 minutes. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
- Compress the area with an elastic bandage or soft brace.
- Elevate –your ankle, as this helps reduce swelling.
Other podiatric treatment options include -
- Orthotics—Custom-made corrective shoe inserts offer muscle support and relief from tendon stress.
- Therapeutic exercises, massage, ultrasound, and stretching are effective treatment options for weak muscles in the front of the leg and calf.
If your Achilles tendon pain is severe, persistent, or your movement remains restricted -
- Steroid injections may be an option that provides short-term relief.
- Surgery is another option should there be a ruptured tendon or damaged tissue that needs repair.
Contact a Leading Podiatrist with 3 Idaho Locations
If you live in and around Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, and would like more information, contact Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews or a staff member of the Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates at 208-327-0627 (Boise), 208-463-1660 (Nampa/Caldwell), 208-888-9876 (Meridian), or online.