Achilles tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the large tendon that runs down the back of your lower leg gets irritated and inflamed.
The body’s largest tendon is the Achilles tendon. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when walking, running, climbing stairs, jumping, and standing on your toes. The Achilles tendon can meet a lot of stress from running and jumping, and as a result, it becomes prone to tendinitis.
Under the supervision of your doctor, most cases of Achilles can be treated with relatively simple at-home care. Achilles tendon tears may necessitate surgical treatment in more challenging situations.
What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Swelling,
heel pain, and irritation are common symptoms of inflammation, which is the body’s normal response to damage or disease.
Depending on which section of the Achilles tendon is inflamed, there are two forms of Achilles tendinitis:
- Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis: Characterized by tiny tears in the fibers of the middle region of the tendon. This type is more common in active young adults.
- Insertional Achilles tendinitis: Affects the lower region of the Achilles tendon, where it connects to the heel bone. It can affect people of any age, even those who do not engage in physical activity.
What Are the Causes of Achilles Tendinitis?
A specific injury doesn’t usually cause Achilles tendinitis. Repetitive stress on the tendon causes the condition. This usually occurs when the body is pushed to do too many movements too quickly. Other variables can increase the risk of tendinitis, such as:
- Bone spurs – Extra bone growth on the heel bone may rub against the tendon, causing pain.
- Exercising without first warming up.
- Strained calf muscles from frequent movements.
- Sports that require quick stops and direction changes, such as tennis.
- Excessive distance, intensity, or steep jogging.
- High physical exertion without allowing the body time to adjust.
- Poorly fitting or old footwear.
- Regular or extended use of high heels.
How to Avoid Achilles Tendinitis
You can lower your risk of getting Achilles tendonitis by taking the following measures:
- Wear supportive shoes with proper cushioning and arch support during exercise. Replace worn-out shoes and consider arch supports if your footwear lacks stability.
- Stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning, before exercise, and after activity to maintain flexibility and reduce recurrence risk.
- Incorporate cross-training. Replace high-impact sports like running and jumping with low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming.
- Gradually increase activity levels. Start slowly and increase duration and intensity of workouts over time.
How is Achilles Tendinitis Treated?
Diagnosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination. Your healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and request imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound to check for tendon damage.
Conservative therapies are often effective in providing relief and promoting healing. A treatment plan may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Laser therapy to relieve discomfort and speed up healing.
- Stretches and exercises to strengthen the tendon and reduce strain on surrounding tissues.
- Footwear changes for better support.
- Night splints, walking boots, or other supportive devices to aid recovery.
Foot and Ankle Care for the Entire Family
If you or a loved one is suffering from Achilles tendon pain, know that you are not alone. It’s frustrating, but also very common. The good news is that most people improve with proper treatment.
It is critical to seek treatment for Achilles tendonitis or a torn tendon as soon as possible. Following your doctor’s advice carefully increases your chance of a faster recovery.
Schedule an appointment with Burlington County Foot & Ankle Associates today. Call us at (609) 714-0052 or fill out our online contact form to get your questions about Achilles tendonitis answered.
FAQs
Q: How is Achilles Tendinitis diagnosed before treatment?
A: Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be used to check for tendon damage and rule out other causes of heel pain.
Q: What are the first steps in treating Achilles Tendinitis?
A: Most cases improve with conservative care such as rest, ice, activity modification, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These help reduce pain and swelling while the tendon heals.
Q: Can physical therapy help with Achilles Tendinitis?
A: Yes. Stretching and strengthening exercises, especially eccentric calf stretches, are proven to help restore tendon function and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Q: Are braces, boots, or orthotics used in treatment?
A: Supportive devices like walking boots, heel lifts, night splints, or custom orthotics may be recommended to reduce stress on the tendon and support healing.
Q: What advanced treatments are available if pain continues?
A: In addition to physical therapy, treatments may include laser therapy, shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, or other regenerative techniques aimed at stimulating healing.
Q: When is surgery considered for Achilles Tendinitis?
A: Surgery is typically reserved for severe or chronic cases that don’t improve with conservative treatment. It may involve removing damaged tissue or repairing a torn tendon.
Q: How long does recovery from Achilles Tendinitis treatment take?
A: Recovery time varies depending on severity and treatment. Mild cases may improve in weeks with proper care, while more severe cases can take several months. Following your doctor’s instructions closely helps speed recovery.
Q: Can Achilles Tendinitis return after treatment?
A: Yes, recurrence is possible if underlying risk factors—like poor footwear, lack of stretching, or overtraining—aren’t addressed. Preventive strategies such as cross-training, supportive shoes, and calf flexibility exercises reduce this risk.