Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is a painful condition that affects the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It can limit mobility, make daily activities uncomfortable, and, if left untreated, may even lead to tendon rupture. Many people first notice ankle stiffness, visible swelling, and aching pain behind the heel, especially in the morning or after activity. That’s why timely treatment is important – not only to relieve pain, but to also protect long-term mobility.
The good news is most cases of Achilles tendinitis improve within weeks to months, allowing you to get back to the activities you love. Get expert care for Achilles tendinitis at Irving Foot and Ankle today.
What Is Achilles Tendinitis?
The Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon in your body. It connects your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). Every time you walk, climb stairs, push off during a run, or jump, this tendon absorbs and transfers enormous amounts of force. Without it, simple activities like standing on your toes or walking uphill would be nearly impossible.
When the tendon is overused or subjected to repetitive stress without proper recovery, tiny tears and inflammation can develop. Over time, this leads to Achilles tendinitis. While it is frequently seen in runners, dancers, and athletes in high-impact sports, it also affects people with active jobs, those who suddenly increase exercise intensity, or individuals who wear unsupportive footwear.
Symptoms
Achilles tendinitis often develops gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. Common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of the ankle
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Swelling and warmth over the tendon
- Difficulty walking or pushing off the foot
Experiencing these symptoms? Book an appointment at Irving Foot and Ankle now for a proper evaluation.
Causes
Several factors contribute to Achilles tendinitis, including:
- Overuse: Repetitive activity without enough rest or recovery time.
- Improper footwear: Shoes without proper support increase tendon stress.
- Tight calf muscles or poor biomechanics: Strain from muscle imbalance or abnormal gait.
- Age-related changes: The tendon loses flexibility and strength over time.
Identifying the underlying cause of your pain is the key to creating an effective treatment plan and preventing re-injury.
Treatment Options
At Irving Foot and Ankle, we create personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your condition and your lifestyle needs.
Non-surgical care may include:
- Rest and activity modification: Giving the tendon time to heal by adjusting workouts or daily activities.
- Physical therapy: Specific stretches and strengthening exercises that improve flexibility, support the tendon, and restore normal movement.
- Custom orthotics or heel lifts: Designed to improve foot alignment, reduce strain, and provide lasting support.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory medication can relieve swelling and pain, helping you stay comfortable while you heal.
Prevention Tips
Preventing Achilles tendinitis starts with protecting the tendon from unnecessary stress and strain. Small adjustments to your daily routine, combined with attentive foot care, can significantly lower your chances of developing Achilles tendinitis:
- Stretching regularly: Daily calf and Achilles stretches keep the tendon flexible and reduce tightness that often leads to injury.
- Supportive footwear: Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning, especially if you spend long hours on your feet or exercise often.
- Gradual activity progression: Increase your workout intensity slowly to avoid sudden stress on the tendon. Avoid jumping into high-impact activities without proper conditioning.
- Cross-training: Mix up your routine with low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming. This reduces repetitive stress on the tendon while keeping you active.
- Listening to your body: Don’t ignore early warning signs like mild heel or tendon pain. Resting and modifying activity early can prevent the condition from worsening.
By incorporating these strategies, you can reduce your risk of Achilles tendinitis and protect your long-term foot health.
Why Choose Irving Foot and Ankle?
At Irving Foot and Ankle, our skilled podiatrists provide accurate diagnoses and modern treatment solutions tailored to effectively manage Achilles tendinitis. We provide personalized treatment plans that focus on long-term recovery, so you can get back to living an active, pain-free lifestyle. Take the first step toward lasting relief with Irving Foot and Ankle—book your appointment online or call (972) 254-0680 today!