Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common issues that can impact the Achilles tendon, which is a major player in your ability to enjoy your full range of motion and activity. If you’re worried that Achilles tendonitis might be impacting your quality of life, Synergy Foot and Ankle is here to help.

Getting You Back on Your Feet

Your active lifestyle may be putting you at increased risk for issues like Achilles tendonitis, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up the activities your love or live your life dealing with constant pain. Here at Synergy Foot & Ankle, our expert staff members have extensive experience and will work with you to create a treatment plan that sees you once again living your very best life. Achilles tendon can be a frustrating and painful condition...but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one.

To learn more about how we can help you overcome your Achilles tendonitis, reach out to our McKinney location and set up your consultation today.

Getting to Know Your Achilles Tendon

Located on the back of your lower leg, just below your calf and just above your heel, the Achilles tendon is both the thickest and the largest tendon in the human body. It does a lot of important work by giving you the ability to flex your feet and point your toes forward, playing an important role in running, jumping, and other physical activities.

When this tendon becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause a painful condition known as tendonitis. Over time, Achilles tendonitis can go from a minor inconvenience to a major source of pain, and can even sometimes result in a complete rupture of the tendon. If you’re interested in a resolution to your discomfort, the experts here at Synergy Foot and Ankle can assess your Achilles tendonitis and craft a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet and once again sees you enjoying your full quality of life.

Am I at Risk for Achilles Tendonitis?

Males who are closer to middle age most commonly encounter Achilles tendonitis, with the likelihood increasing along with one’s level of physical activity. Athletes—professional and amateur alike—and those who generally lead more active lifestyles tend to be at a higher risk for developing Achilles tendonitis.

Sports that most commonly lead to the development of Achilles tendonitis tend to include a high level of running, sudden stops, quick changes in direction, and other movements that can be hard on the tendons, including:

Running
Basketball
Football
Soccer
Volleyball
Tennis
Gymnastics

How to Know You’re Dealing with Achilles Tendonitis

Early Symptoms

Tendonitis tends to announce itself with a fairly general set of symptoms, which are typically quite mild at the onset. These most frequently include pain and swelling of the tendon, which can be seen as a bulging just above the heel.

Stiffness and Pain

Patients typically feel stiffness in the early parts of the day. Despite mild activity resolving some of the pain, more strenuous activity will actually worsen it, and the tendon may even become visibly swollen over the course of the day.

Pain Progression

Over time, the pain and sensitivity can increase to the point where it becomes difficult to flex the foot. When tendonitis becomes so bad that it actively limits the patient’s range of motion, treatment becomes more critical.

Potential Tearing

If left unaddressed, Achilles tendonitis can progress from a relatively minor inconvenience to a severe medical issue. Over time, inflammation can weaken the tendon which may ultimately lead to a complete tear or rupture.

Diagnosing the Issue

Achilles tendonitis, especially in the early stages before a diagnosis has been reached, can be a somewhat frightening reality. What may have started out as a mildly painful inconvenience seems to be getting worse, and it can often look like there’s no relief in sight. The good news is that not only can we help you find relief from your pain...but in many cases, we can do so without the need for any kind of major surgery!

Your diagnosis is the first step, and a member of our staff will carefully examine the foot that’s been causing you problems. A physical exam will help us assess the swelling, tenderness, and any thickening of the Achilles tendon that might indicate you’re dealing with Achilles tendonitis. If needed, we can use ultrasound imaging or an MRI to be completely sure.

Treating Your Achilles Tendonitis

Once we’re certain that Achilles tendonitis is indeed the issue you’re facing, we’ll begin putting together a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet and sees you fully enjoying life once again.

Initial treatment for Achilles tendonitis includes ice, rest, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These treatment methods tend to be most effective when the problem is caught early.

We’ll also work with you to help you adjust your physical routine to ensure that the issue doesn’t come back. If the pain does not improve with initial treatment, the patient may need physical therapy, orthotic devices, or surgery.

Helping You Get Back to What Matters

When Achilles tendonitis is disrupting your daily routine, Synergy Foot and Ankle is here to help. We’ll resolve your pain, treat your issue, and create a path that sees you once again enjoying your full range of motion and quality of life. To learn more about what the expert team at Synergy Foot and Ankle can do for you, reach out and set up your consultation today!