Achilles tendonitis is a common athletic injury, but it could happen to anyone. Highly experienced podiatrist Navrit Randhawa, DPM, and his colleagues at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center in Carteret, New Jersey, are experts in Achilles tendonitis diagnosis and treatment. They offer comprehensive care that restores ankle function and eliminates pain. Call Carteret Foot & Ankle Center to request an Achilles tendonitis evaluation or book an appointment online today.
Achilles tendonitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon, a large, tough connective tissue extending from your heel bones to the bottom of your calf.
If you develop Achilles tendonitis, you may experience mild soreness or aching in the lower calf or just above your heel after exercise. The pain can worsen after long training sessions involving running or climbing.
Some people with Achilles tendonitis experience lower leg and/or ankle stiffness when they get up in the morning, which tends to subside once they start moving.
Achilles tendonitis is usually an overuse injury affecting recreational sports enthusiasts and athletes. It’s most common in runners, but any sport involving running, jumping, or frequently making sudden changes in speed can trigger Achilles tendonitis.
You’re most likely to develop Achilles tendonitis after a change in your exercise routine. For example, increasing your running distance, switching to running on hills when you’re used to flat streets, or extending your total training time can all contribute to Achilles tendonitis.
You can also develop Achilles tendonitis even if you don’t exercise. People with overpronation (where the foot rolls inward) or bony growths (heel spurs) that press on the tendon often develop symptoms.
With mild injuries, rest, ice, and elevation reduce pain and swelling and encourage your tendon to repair itself. But to heal in the safest, fastest way, you should seek help from a board-certified podiatrist at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center. They can treat Achilles tendonitis in various ways, including:
It’s essential to follow your podiatrist’s recommendations and rest during recovery from Achilles tendonitis. Returning to your regular routine as soon as you start feeling better might be tempting, but pushing yourself before you heal fully could worsen your tendonitis and significantly delay recovery.
If you don’t seek prompt treatment for Achilles tendonitis, the tissues can break down, causing Achilles tendinosis, or your tendon could tear (rupture). Achilles tendon ruptures often require surgical repair.
You can count on Carteret Foot & Ankle Care for fast relief from Achilles tendonitis pain. Request your appointment by phone or use the online booking feature today.