By Sebi Makis
Are you experiencing pain in the back of your heel whenever you walk or run? Chances are that it could be due to Achilles Tendonitis. The pain from Achilles Tendonitis can be agonizing and affect quality of life. A podiatrist will help you confirm the condition and suggest suitable treatments to help you get rid of the pain.
What is Achilles tendon?
This large tendon is present in the back of our foot. It attaches calf muscles and gastrocnemius and soleus to the calcaneus (back of the heel bone). The muscles in the Achilles Tendon are large so that they balance our body when we stand and push our body forward when we walk/ run/ jump. Due to the constant usage, the most common injury it is prone to is Achilles Tendonitis.
The inflammation of the Achilles tendon causes pain. The severity of the pain varies depending on our physical activity level. The risk of Achilles tendonitis is higher with increase in age since our muscles start losing elasticity. It usually occurs in teenagers who are involved in sports and during forties and fifties due to wear and tear. Schedule an appointment with podiatrist Irvine to have the condition diagnosed.
Diagnosis:
If you are looking for an experienced podiatrist in Orange County, you could contact Dr. Sima Soltani Podiatry Office. Their team offers excellent-patient care and use updated technology to diagnose and treat foot problems. The medical professional will make a physical examination and look for tenderness in the Achilles tendon.
X-rays aren’t useful for diagnosing Achilles tendon but the doctor may run an X-ray to rule out pathological conditions. An MRI would be required if the Achilles tendon is partially or completely ruptured.
Possible treatments:
Surgery is rarely required. Non-surgical treatment options will usually be suggested following which the patient needs to take ample rest to give time for healing. If diagnosed early, Achilles tendonitis responds well to conservative treatment options. The treatment options include:
- If it is mild, attaching heel lifts to the shoe helps. Patient would be asked to refrain from walking bare-foot and low-heeled shoes.
- Sounds waves are directed at the site of pain
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs would be prescribed
- Icing would be suggested to control inflammation
- Stretching exercise focusing on calf muscles would be taught to the patient
Recovery takes anywhere between 4 to 6 months. For some it may take about 3 months or longer. Follow the instructions of your doctor during the recovery period to speed up the process.
Recovery period care:
- Eccentric strengthening: Your doctor may recommend you to follow an eccentric strengthening routine to aid healing.
- Change footwear: Traditionally style shoes with good heal support gives additional level of comfort.
- Slowly increase your level of physical activity: After the doctor deems it is safe to return to normal activities, get back to your usual routine gradually. Avoid indulging in high-impact activities all of a sudden.
Achilles tendon is a painful condition. If you are experiencing feet pain, reach out to an experienced podiatrist Orange County.
