Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis is a painful, overuse injury especially common in athletes and other active people. At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons An Nguyen, DPM, and Anna Wojcik-Stepien, DPM, provide conservative care for Achilles tendinitis. The providers regularly work with student and amateur athletes and weekend warriors to help them return to their favorite activities. Call the office today to request Achilles tendinitis treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon –– a band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It occurs when the tendon experiences trauma, either due to an injury or general wear-and-tear.

Early intervention and treatment can prevent Achilles tendinitis from worsening and reduce the need for surgery.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis symptoms include the following:

• Difficulty putting weight on a single toe
• Swelling and warmth in your heel 
• Achilles tendon pain
• Stiffness and aching, especially in the morning

Often, Achilles tendinitis is most noticeable during movement, like walking, running, or climbing stairs.

Who should seek treatment for Achilles tendinitis?

Make an appointment at A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, if you have chronic heel or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medication. That’s particularly true if your symptoms keep you from work or other routine activities.

How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?

Your A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. They look at your heel and the skin below your calf, checking for redness, swelling, or bruising. Your provider gently presses on your tendon, identifying sensitive areas, and assesses the flexibility and alignment of your foot and ankle.

Next, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like a Minosono ultrasound or in-office digital X-rays. X-rays can rule out problems that present similar symptoms to Achilles tendinitis, such as fractures or dislocated joints. Ultrasounds can capture detailed photos of your Achilles tendon and surrounding soft tissues.

How is Achilles tendinitis treated?

A&A Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, treats Achilles tendinitis with a conservative and patient-oriented approach. They may recommend:

• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription anti-inflammatory medication
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation

If your symptoms continue for several months, even after these treatments, or you have a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon, your podiatrist recommends surgery. During surgery, your podiatrist repairs the damage to your Achilles tendon, relieving pain and restoring your range of motion.

Call A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, today to explore the treatments for Achilles tendinitis, or book your appointment online.