Achilles Tendinitis Treatment

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment Q & A

 

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tiny fibers within your Achilles tendon start fraying, leading to inflammation. This causes soreness, pain, and potentially even mobility problems.

 

The Achilles tendon is the longest — and one of the most important — tendons in your body because it makes upward and downward foot movement possible. You use your Achilles tendon whenever you walk, jump, and run. 

 

Achilles tendinitis often occurs in athletes who frequently jump or run on hard surfaces. It's typically related to overuse, such as suddenly increasing your physical activity level or exercise intensity. Less commonly, Achilles tendinitis happens with a sudden injury. 

 

In older adults, tendinitis may be related to tendon weakening over time. In some cases, Achilles tendinitis and arthritis occur together, as the tendon is close to your ankle joint. 

 

 

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis usually starts with a mild ache at the bottom of your calf muscles or just above your heel. The pain gradually grows more severe and often peaks after exercise. 

 

Sometimes Achilles tendinitis also causes stiffness, swelling, and range-of-motion problems. If untreated, your Achilles tendon inflammation can tear or rupture. This is a very serious condition that can cause severe pain and possibly difficulty standing and walking. 

 

 

What does Achilles tendinitis treatment involve?

At Quantum Foot and Ankle Group, PC, Dr. Wright starts with an accurate diagnosis. He performs a gentle clinical foot and ankle exam. Then, he uses the state-of-the-art in-office X-ray, ultrasound, or cone beam CT to determine what kind of Achilles tendon damage you have.

 

Dr. Wright prescribes a customized Achilles tendinitis treatment for symptom relief and tendon recovery. He focuses both on pain relief and on healing your damaged tendon tissue. Treatment may include: 

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Physical therapy

• Custom orthotics

• Stabilization device, like a splint or brace

• Regenerative medicine

• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT®)
   

Regenerative medicine and EPAT encourage your body to start the natural healing process at an accelerated rate to help repair your tendon. 

 

When combined with physical therapy that strengthens your calf muscles and improves tendon flexibility, this protocol can give you the fastest recovery and lowest chance of reinjury. 

 

For Achilles tendinitis treatment from the most caring concierge practice in the Woodcliff Lake area, call Quantum Foot and Ankle Group, PC or book an appointment online today.