Achilles Tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

If you are experiencing sharp, aching pain near your heel and calf, you could have a common condition known as Achilles tendonitis. To help you heal, it’s important to seek treatment from a foot and ankle specialist. Drs. Mark Robson, David Liou, and Thanh Nguyen at Austin Podiatry in Austin, TX, and serving Kyle and Buda, TX, offer a full range of foot and ankle services, including diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis.

What You Need To Know About Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon joins your heel to your calf and helps you stand, walk, and stay active. When the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, it leads to a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. Several factors can cause Achilles tendonitis, including overuse and strain of the tendon or an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendonitis can cause dramatic signs and symptoms, affecting your ability to stay mobile. Common signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Inflammation and swelling behind your heel
• A stabbing or aching pain behind your heel
• Difficulty walking or moving your foot due to pain in your Achilles tendon

Remember that there are several ways you can help prevent Achilles tendonitis. You need to:

• Begin a new sport or exercise slowly to avoid injuring the Achilles tendon
• Do heel lift exercises to stretch and strengthen your Achilles tendon
• Always wear appropriate shoes with plenty of support for the sport or activity you are doing
• Try to walk on even, dry surfaces to avoid injuring your Achilles tendon

It’s important to seek out the expertise of your foot and ankle specialist to treat Achilles tendonitis. Early treatment can help resolve Achilles tendonitis quickly so you can get back on your feet. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation
• Placing ice packs on your Achilles tendon to decrease swelling
• Cortisone injections into the tendon to reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy and stretching to increase flexibility and strength
• Resting and taking weight and stress off the Achilles tendon

Want To Know More About Achilles Tendonitis?

To discover more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Achilles tendonitis, call Drs. Mark Robson, David Liou, and Thanh Nguyen at Austin Podiatry in Austin, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (512) 448-3668, so call today.