Achilles Tendonitis

Odds are that you’ve heard of Achilles tendonitis. Maybe a friend or relative has it, or one of your favorite athletes was taken out of the game by this painful condition. If you yourself have started to feel the tell-tale ache of Achilles tendonitis, you may be concerned about treatment, or fear a dramatic rupture of the tendon.

There’s no need to worry. The sooner you see one of our Board Certified podiatrists for diagnosis and treatment, the sooner you can start the healing process, and take precautions to prevent the worsening of your condition.

Symptoms

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body, connecting the leg to the foot.  This tendon is crucial to normal walking. If you are experiencing painful swelling in the back of your foot just above the heel, you may be suffering from Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles tendinitis is, at its most basic level, a strain of the Achilles tendon. The tendon naturally weakens with age, and strains are increasingly likely as you grow older, particularly if you suddenly increase the intensity of your workouts. Achilles tendonitis can also be caused by bone spurs and tight calf muscles.

How Do I Know I Have Achilles Tendonitis?

Pain begins behind the heel, particularly in the morning. The pain will also usually intensify after you exercise, participate in sports, climb stairs, or even just walk.

We take X-Rays in the office to rule-out stress fracture or heel spurs and we send out for MRI to rule-partial tears.  Achilles tendonitis is best treated early in its development, and a consultation at our practice with our Board certified Foot and Ankle specialists will give you the best chance possible for a full recovery.