09 Aug How To Treat Achilles Tendon Disorders
Whether you’re a star athlete or just navigating your daily life, an Achilles tendon injury can potentially occur. The Achilles tendon is the largest in the body, connecting the heel to the calf muscle. The Achilles tendon allows us to point and flex our feet. Unfortunately, the Achilles tendon is one of the most commonly injured tendons. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team provides the latest treatments to manage disorders of the Achilles tendon.
Achilles Tendon Disorders
At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team treats the following Achilles tendon disorders:
- Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinopathy – One of the most common overuse injuries. With repetitive and aggravating activities, the tendon can become inflamed (tendonitis) or wear out or degenerate (tendinopathy). Pain, swelling, tendon damage, and thickening of the tendon are all common indicators of Achilles tendonitis and tendinopathy.
- Achilles Tendonosis – Micro-tears of the Achilles tendon ultimately lead to disease and thickening of the Achilles tendon.
- Achilles Tendon Rupture – When the tendon has worn out or weakened over time, it can suddenly tear with enough force. Symptoms of a rupture include severe pain and swelling in the back of the heel, and often makes it impossible to walk at the onset of the injury.
- Haglund’s Disease – Haglund’s disease is believed to be a result of aggravation of the Achilles tendon as it attaches to the back of the heel, or from irritation caused by shoes. This deformity is characterized by a large bony bump in the back of the heel.
Treating Achilles Tendon Disorders
The treatment approaches for Achilles tendon disorders will depend on the degree of damage to the Achilles tendon and how long the injury has been present. In the early stages when there is acute inflammation, some of the following treatments may be recommended:
- Ice – Ice can be applied to the affected area to reduce swelling caused by inflammation.
- Immobilization – A cast or brace may be used to reduce forces through the tendon and facilitate healing.
- NSAIDs – Oral medications may help reduce pain and inflammation during the early stages of an injury.
- Custom Orthotics – Those with gait abnormalities or overpronation may be prescribed custom orthotic devices to provide relief.
- Exercises – Exercises can help restore range of motion and flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles and joints.
If conservative non-surgical treatments fail to yield results, surgery may be necessary to restore the tendon to its normal condition.
Contact Us
Recovery from an Achilles tendon disorder can vary, but it’s crucial to avoid pushing yourself too hard before your injury heals. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team provides high-quality, personalized care to every patient. To learn more about the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders, contact our office today!