Achilles tendonitis is a common, painful condition affecting your ability to stay mobile. Your podiatrist can help. Dr. Peter Caldwell at Iowa Foot & Ankle Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA, provides various podiatry services, including diagnosing and treating Achilles tendinitis.
What You Need To Know About Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is important because it connects the muscles in your calf to your heel. It’s the strongest tendon in your body, helping you push off your heel when you walk or run.
You can develop Achilles tendinitis from:
- Overuse from playing a sport
- Stretching your Achilles tendon from an injury
- Tearing your Achilles tendon during an accident
You may have Achilles tendinitis if you experience:
- Inflammation on your ankle and heel
- Swelling on your ankle and heel
- Stabbing, aching pain behind or around your heel
- Difficulty walking or moving your foot
- Ankle instability when you stand and try to put weight on your ankle and foot
If you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed above, it’s important to seek out the expertise of a podiatrist. A podiatrist will diagnose the cause of Achilles tendinitis and recommend several effective treatments to get you back on your feet. Professional treatments for Achilles tendinitis include:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Laser therapy to promote faster healing
- Cortisone injections into the tendon to reduce inflammation and pain
- Physical therapy and stretching to increase flexibility and strength
- Rest to give your Achilles tendon time to heal
You can follow a few tips to help prevent Achilles tendinitis. Remember to:
- Begin a new sport or activity by starting slowly
- Stretch before beginning any activity or exercise
- Do heel lift exercises to strengthen the Achilles tendon
- Wear appropriate, supportive shoes for the activity you are doing
Want To Know More About Achilles Tendinitis?
To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Achilles tendinitis, call Dr. Peter Caldwell at Iowa Foot & Ankle Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA. You can reach him in the office by calling (319) 363-3543, so you can call today.