Achilles Tendinitis Specialist

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Your Achilles tendon — the longest tendon in your body — attaches your calf muscles to the back of your heel bone. Because this durable band of connective tissue stretches and contracts with every step you take, it’s prone to overuse, which can gradually lead to inflammation (tendinitis). 

If you have Achilles tendinitis, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms in your lower leg, all the way down to your heel:

• Tenderness or swelling
• Pain during physical activities
• Hard knots along the back of your leg

If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you may also find that’s it’s difficult to point and flex your foot, or that you have a hard time bearing weight on your foot or ankle. 

Why do I have Achilles tendinitis?

If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, your training regimen could be to blame. For instance, if you participate in activities that require sudden stops or repetitive movements, including dancing, basketball, running, and tennis, your risk of developing Achilles tendinitis increases. Other causes of Achilles tendinitis include:

• Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes
• Sudden change in workout intensity or frequency
• Training on hard courts or concrete, or hilly surfaces

It’s also possible to struggle with Achilles tendinitis if you have inherited structural abnormalities that cause your feet and legs to rotate abnormally. This can lead to fallen arches, which can put stress on your Achilles tendon. 

No matter what causes your Achilles tendinitis, Foot & Ankle Specialty Center can help. 

Can I get treatment for Achilles tendinitis?

Yes! Achilles tendinitis isn’t something you should ignore another day since your condition can worsen. The top-ranked podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center tailor your Achilles tendinitis treatment plan to resolve pain and tenderness while promoting tendon flexibility and healing. 

Your Achilles tendon treatment plan can include one or more of the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Splinting, casting, or bracing
• Custom-molded orthotics 
• Activity modifications 
• Physical therapy 
• Walking boot

Usually, Achilles tendinitis improves with the help of these conservative therapies. If you continue experiencing Achilles tendinitis issues, your dedicated podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center could recommend surgery to repair your damaged tendon. 

Before your Achilles tendinitis causes you pain another day, schedule an exam at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center. You can conveniently schedule either online or over the phone.