Achilles Tendonitis

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Your tendons are the tough connective tissues that bind muscles to bones throughout your body. Tendinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the tendons. Your Achilles tendon is the band of connective tissue binding your heel bone to the muscles in your lower leg.

When this tendon becomes inflamed, you develop Achilles tendinitis. Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It’s engaged every time you stand, walk, run, or even raise up on your toes. As it’s subjected to significant daily use, it should come as no surprise that Achilles tendinitis is common.

What causes Achilles tendinitis?

Anything that strains your Achilles tendon can lead to inflammation, but researchers note that there are certain conditions that increase your risk of developing Achilles tendinitis. Many people encounter problems when they push their bodies beyond the limit.

This can happen to professional athletes who quickly increase their training regimen. It also occurs in folks who try to ramp up their fitness routines faster than their bodies can adapt. Achilles tendonitis is common among middle-aged men and women who only play sports or exercise on the weekends.

A condition called Haglund’s deformity also increases the risk of Achilles tendonitis. This occurs when the bone on the back of your heel becomes enlarged and rubs against your Achilles tendon.

What are some treatment options for Achilles tendinitis?

Your podiatrist begins with a physical examination and X-ray imaging to determine the extent of the damage. Ultrasound imaging might also be an option.

You might find relief by modifying your routines. Slowing or stopping activities that strain your Achilles tendon gives your body a chance to heal. Physical therapy and orthotic shoes or inserts can also help, and you may only need over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication to control discomfort.

Surgical intervention might be the best option, depending on the severity of your injury. C&S Foot and Ankle offers Tenex®, a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to debride, or clean up, damaged tissue.

An injection of numbing medication ensures you remain comfortable as your podiatrist uses ultrasound imaging to guide a probe through a small incision. The probe creates ultrasonic energy that destroys damaged tissue, and the device then removes the tissue from your body.

If you’d like more information on Achilles tendinitis treatment, schedule a consultation online or over the phone today.