Achilles Tendonitis also is known as Achilles tendinitis or Achilles tendinopathy. This is an overuse injury causing the inflammation and/or degeneration of the Achilles tendon. It connects the two most crucial calf muscles.
A common symptom of Achilles Tendinitis is sharp pain along the back of the tendon and close to the heel.
Do you suspect that you are experiencing Achilles tendinitis? Then schedule an appointment online to visit our lead podiatrists in South Florida.
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon (or calcaneal tendon) is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, and it’s located at the back of the ankle. Therefore, connecting the calf muscles to the foot. And then, it attaches them to the heel bone (calcaneus).
This tendon provides the power in the initial push off when walking, running, or jumping. In fact, this movement allows us to even stand on our toes. However, despite its strength, the Achilles tendon is susceptible to injury. And because it has a limited blood supply, high force is placed on it.
Many different conditions/ injuries can occur in the Achilles tendon. One of the most common, though, is Achilles tendinitis.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Common Achilles tendinitis symptoms start with mild pain and stiffness at the back of the leg or above the heel after jogging or any sports activity. Patients might experience severe pain or swelling after prolonged sports activities, such as running or sprinting.
Additional symotoms are as follows:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning
- Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity
- Severe pain the day after exercising
- Thickening of the tendon
- Bone spur (insertional tendinitis)
- Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day with activity
What Causes the Injury
Achilles Tendinitis is common, and it’s most often caused by a repetitive motion from a sudden, serious injury.
Many activities are known to cause this, such as:
- Throwing and pitching
- Cleaning house
- Shoveling
- Painting
- Scrubbing
- Tennis
- Golf
- Skiing
- Gardening
- Raking
- Carpentry
Furthermore, an incorrect posture at work or home can cause this. However, it’s also common to poor conditioning before exercising or playing a sport.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
There are several treatment options available for Achilles tendonitis. Most patients receive non-operative treatment. Treatments are as follows:
- Resting
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Physical therapy
When non-operative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered.
Achilles Tendon Surgery
If the condition worsens, however, or is left untreated, patients have a higher risk of an Achilles rupture. Therefore, requiring surgery.
For a preferred Achilles Tendinitis Surgeon in South Florida, call us today at 954-906-9272. We are located in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs & Plantation. Contact our office today for more information.