Achilles tendonitis

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis results from overuse of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s the largest and strongest tendon in your body and is essential to your ability to walk, jump, and run.

Athletes are at risk of developing Achilles tendinitis — especially weekend warriors or runners who quickly increase their mileage or intensity.

Achilles tendinitis can be recurrent without good management and, when untreated, can lead to a more serious rupture. Because the Achilles tendon becomes weaker as you age, people in middle age are more susceptible to Achilles injury.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

The symptoms of Achilles tendinitis usually develop gradually. You may notice them first as a mild ache in the heel or back of the leg after working out, playing sports, or running. You may experience more severe pain after sprinting or running long distances.

Achilles tendinitis pain may be especially noticeable first thing in the morning when you step out of bed and ease up during the day.

What are the treatments for Achilles tendinitis?

If you catch Achilles tendinitis in its early stages, rest, movement modification, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication provide adequate relief and give the tendon a chance to heal. You may also benefit from alternating heat and ice therapy to minimize pain.

Dr. Senatore can provide you with specific physical therapy exercises to help support your healing and may recommend custom-made orthotics to correct structural issues contributing to your injury. He can help you incorporate proper warmups and exercise progression to avoid overstressing the tendon and aggravating further injury.

When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, Dr. Senatore may recommend other treatments, including Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Topaz® coblation radio wave treatments, and AmnioFix® growth factor injections.

If you do have Achilles tendinitis that has led to a rupture of the tendon, you’ll need surgery to repair it.

If you suspect you have Achilles tendinitis, contact Union Podiatry today to set up an appointment. Call one of the convenient locations or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends. Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor’s supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.

Symptoms

The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.

You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.

Causes

Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.

The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, which can make it more susceptible to injury — particularly in people who may participate in sports only on the weekends or who have suddenly increased the intensity of their running programs.