Recognizing and Treating Achilles Tendonitis

Could your heel pain be due to Achilles tendonitis?

If you’ve suddenly increased the duration or intensity of a workout, particularly a run, you may find yourself dealing with heel pain. While many cases of heel pain are due to plantar fasciitis, if you experience pain above the heel bone this is a telltale sign that you’re dealing with Achilles tendonitis. Our Pennsauken and Turnersville, NJ, podiatrists at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists are experts at diagnosing foot and ankle injuries, including Achilles tendonitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest in the body and it connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel. Repeated stress and overuse can often lead to Achilles tendonitis. Common symptoms include,

• Heel pain that lies above the heel bone
• Swelling
• Stiffness that is often worse in the morning

Treating Achilles Tendonitis

As with most minor foot and ankle injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, our team will take a more conservative approach to see if simple self-care measures provide you with the pain relief you need so that the tendon can heal. These treatment options include,

• Resting and avoiding physical activity until the tendon has fully healed
• Stretching and strengthening the calf muscles by performing special exercises such as toe raises and heel drops
• Following any instructions and exercises prescribed by a physical therapist
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications to manage pain and swelling
• Wearing shoes that provide additional cushioning and protection (you may choose to place custom shoe inserts or lifts in the heels of the shoes for support)
• Wearing a night splint, which can help to stretch out the tendon and prevent morning stiffness and pain

It’s important that you treat tendinitis and do not ignore your symptoms, as repeated stress on an injured tendon could lead to a rupture. Once the tendon has healed and our podiatrists have reinstated physical activity it is important that you keep up with stretching and strengthening exercises and that you incorporate proper conditioning and warm-ups into your routine before exercise. You should also consider cross-training, which can help reduce your risk for certain foot and ankle injuries.

If you are dealing with foot and ankle injuries or Achilles tendonitis, the podiatrists at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists have offices in Pennsauken and Turnersville, NJ, to serve you better. To schedule an appointment, call our office today. Pennsauken: (856) 488-5290. Turnersville: (856) 875-8855.