Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It is a band of connective tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Like any other tendon, it supports your body structure and facilitates movements. However, its inflammation can develop in some cases and cause severe pain at every step you take. If you are here, chances are you are also looking for the best Achilles tendonitis treatment or how to cure Achilles Tendonitis fast. If that’s the case, you are in the right place. So, read ahead to make your every step pain-free.

Causes and Risk Factors

Make a guess!

What is the strongest tendon in the body?

If you are guessing the Achilles tendon, you are right! But how can such a sprain and inflammation occur to the strongest tendon? We are going to answer that question here.

The development of Achilles tendonitis is frequently attributed to a mixture of physical stress and strain beyond what the tendon can comfortably handle. Of all the tendons, Achilles has to handle the most stress. It supports the whole body weight during walking, running, or even if you are just rising from your sitting position.

The stress even worsens in professional athletes who continuously engage in activities that strain the Achilles tendon and heel bone. Therefore, athletes are at increased risk of Achilles tendonitis.

Several other factors increase the risk of this condition. Some of the important ones are listed here.

Tight Calf Muscles

Some people have stiff muscles due to a lack of physical activity. Therefore, every now and then, when they walk a little more than usual, they start experiencing pain around the heel, which is a sign of Achilles tendonitis. In such cases, Achilles tendon exercise can do a lot to make your walking or running experience better.

Improper Footwear

Shoes can greatly affect the stress your tendon endures. If you start experiencing pain in your sole or heel after walking for a few blocks, you may not be wearing the right shoes. In that case, you should consult the expert podiatrists at 5 Boro Podiatry, who can design the perfect pair of orthotics for you to make your walk comfortable and pain-free.

Age

The tendon weakens with age, making it more prone to injury. Individuals over 30 are more likely to develop Achilles tendonitis due to reduced elasticity and thinning of the tendon over time.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, can increase the risk of tendonitis. These conditions might affect the blood supply to the tendon, impeding its ability to heal and increasing the likelihood of inflammation

Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from person to person. But some of the common ones are listed here.

1. Pain along the Achilles tendon and heel that worsens with activity.
2. Pain and stiffness are primarily more pronounced in the morning and improve after mild activity – the classic Achilles tendonitis symptom.
3. Increased pain after exercise, particularly those that put stress on the tendon.
4. Swelling in the area surrounding the tendon.
5. A creaking or crackling sound (crepitus) can be heard while moving the ankle or pressing on the tendon.
6. Limited range of motion when flexing the foot. In simple words, people find it difficult to point their toes downward or stand on their tiptoes.
7. In a few cases, a lump (nodule) can be seen on the tendon. This particular change indicates that degenerative changes have been started.

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment

The main goal of Achilles tendonitis treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is initially used to achieve the above-mentioned purpose. Some of the other first-line approaches are medications and Achilles tendon exercise.

Let’s discuss these methods in detail one by one for proper understanding.

Non-surgical Treatment Methods

Rest: Initially, it is crucial to reduce or stop activities that aggravate the tendon. This may involve switching to low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling that place less stress on the Achilles tendon.

Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and swelling, especially after exercise.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, their long-term use should be managed carefully under medical advice.

Physical Therapy: Your expert podiatrist at 5 Boro Podiatry can design a program of exercises to strengthen the calf muscles, improve flexibility, and increase the tendon’s resilience to stress.

Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotics or heel lifts designed by experts at 5 Boro Podiatry inserted into shoes can reduce stress on the tendon by slightly elevating the heel alleviating pressure during walking or running.

Surgical and Advanced Treatment Options

Surgery: In cases where non-surgical treatments do not result in improvement after several months, surgery may be considered. Procedures may involve removing inflamed tissue from around the tendon or making small cuts in the tendon to promote healing.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Though still under investigation, PRP injections involve using the patient’s own blood components to stimulate healing in the injured tendon.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the tendon. It’s typically considered when other non-surgical treatments have failed.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Stretching: Regular, gentle stretching exercises can improve flexibility and reduce tension in the Achilles tendon.

Gradual Return to Activity: Once symptoms begin to improve, slowly reintroducing activities with careful monitoring can help prevent recurrence. Incremental increases in intensity and duration are key.

Wearing Appropriate Footwear: Shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning can prevent further strain on the Achilles tendon.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the load on the Achilles tendon during activities.

What is the Best Achilles Tendonitis Treatment?

Achilles tendonitis treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and we can confidently say that no best Achilles tendonitis treatment suits everyone’s unique needs and requirements. Instead, you need an expert podiatrist at 5BoroPodiatry to get a tailored treatment plan that targets your unique condition and body structures.

When to See a doctor?

You have tried several over-the-counter medications and self-care routines, but nothing seems to work. In such cases, you should consult a podiatrist who is an expert in dealing with issues related to your foot and associated structures. Unsettling pain and increased stiffness put your Achilles tendon at risk of rupture. Therefore, you should get expert advice before situations get out of your hand.

Where to Find Expert Advice?

At 5 Boro Podiatry, we understand how difficult it is to move your body while you have Achilles tendonitis. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to offering the best Achilles tendonitis treatment to help you walk, run and live pain-free.

Your health is our top priority, and at 5 Boro Podiatry, you will witness how committed we are to making the change. 

So, why the wait?

Visit our website to learn more about us, and book your appointment today.