Your Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, can become sore and inflamed due to overuse or injury. If you have discomfort down the back of your lower leg, visit with the board-certified podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago right away. You can conveniently schedule an appointment either online or over the phone.
request an appointmentWhat are the symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries?
Your Achilles tendon, the longest tendon in your body, is prone to overuse issues. This is the tendon that helps you point and flex your foot. If you’re a runner, for instance, each time you push off with your foot, you strain your Achilles tendon.
Dancers, basketball players, and tennis players, among other types of athletes, all have high risks of developing Achilles tendon injuries. However, athletes aren’t the only ones who suffer from Achilles tendon pain and injuries. These issues can also stem from:
- Slips and falls
- Excessive pronation
- Flat feet
You may even be prone to Achilles tendon injuries or chronic inflammation — known as Achilles tendonitis — if you have tight calf muscles or if you don’t warm up properly before strenuous activities.
When should I see a podiatrist for Achilles tendon pain?
As with most soft tissue injuries, if you have Achilles tendon pain and inflammation, your pain is likely going to worsen if you don’t let the injured area rest. The difficult part of Achilles tendon injuries is that it’s virtually impossible to stay off your feet to give your lower leg a chance to heal.
The podiatry team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists encourages you to come in as soon as your Achilles tendon pain begins, especially if it’s:
- Keeping you away from sports or daily activities
- Associated with tenderness and swelling
- Making it difficult for you to point or flex your foot
The team of board-certified podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists spends time evaluating you and getting to the root of your Achilles tendon pain. Once your dedicated podiatrist diagnoses you, they educate you about your condition and talk with you about your treatment options.
How are Achilles tendon injuries treated?
Treating Achilles tendon issues, including tears and chronic inflammation, may involve immobilizing your lower leg with a boot or brace to allow the tendon to heal. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and underlying cause of your Achilles tendon pain, your treatment plan may also include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
If you have a more severe injury, like an Achilles tendon rupture, your podiatrist at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists may recommend surgery. Achilles tendon surgery involves grafting tissues, removing damaged tissues, or making any other essential repairs so you can get back to 100% as quickly as possible.
Book your Achilles tendon evaluation at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists today. Click the online scheduler, or call the office directly.