Understanding Your Achilles Pain
The Achilles tendon may be the strongest tendon in your body, but it’s also vulnerable to injury and chronic pain. This crucial band of tissue connects your calf muscle to your heel bone, playing an essential role in every step you take. When healthy, your Achilles tendon helps lift your entire body weight with each step. When injured, even simple walking can become painful.
The most common causes of pain of this tendon are as follows:
Types of Achilles Tendon Disorders
Causes
Most Achilles tendon problems develop from overuse or sudden increases in activity. Your tendon experiences micro-injuries when it’s stressed too quickly, and without proper rest, these small injuries can’t heal properly. This creates a cycle of ongoing damage and pain.
Common risk factors include:
- Athletic activities, especially running and jumping sports
- Physical jobs requiring frequent ankle and foot movement
- Weekend warriors returning to activity too quickly
- Flat feet or overpronation
- Improper footwear without adequate support
Symptoms
Watch for these key symptoms:
- Morning pain and stiffness that initially improves with movement
- Persistent aching along the back of your heel and ankle
- Pain that worsens with increased activity
- Tenderness when touching the sides of the tendon
- Visible swelling or thickening of the tendon
Diagnosis
At SCMSC, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. Our expert podiatrist performs thorough in-office examinations using state-of-the-art imaging technology to assess the extent, location, and severity of your condition. This detailed evaluation helps us create the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
Treatment
We believe in starting with conservative treatment approaches, carefully chosen based on your condition’s duration and severity. Our comprehensive treatment options include:
COLD LASER MACHINE
Our advanced cold laser treatment offers a drug-free way to:
- Reduce inflammation naturally
- Improve blood circulation
- Speed up healing
- Decrease pain without medication
COMPREHENSIVE CARE OPTIONS
- Custom immobilization solutions when needed
- Professional ice therapy guidance
- Targeted anti-inflammatory medications
- Personalized orthotic devices
- Specialized night splints
- Customized physical therapy programs
Prevention
Prevention is key to maintaining healthy Achilles tendons. We’ll help you develop strategies including:
- Proper strengthening exercises
- Effective stretching techniques
- Footwear recommendations
- Activity modification guidance
Francine Nazarian, DPM
When is Surgery Necessary?
If nonsurgical approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition, surgery may be necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the best procedure to repair the tendon, based on the extent of the injury, the patient’s age and activity level, and other factors.
If you have or suspect Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis, schedule an evaluation at Southern California Multi-Specialty Center, call 818-900-6480.
