Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon plays a pivotal role in movement, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone and enabling essential activities such as walking, running, and jumping. When this vital tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse or injury, it leads to a condition known as Achilles tendinitis, which can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. At Silver Spring Foot and Ankle, we are committed to providing expert care for Achilles tendinitis, ensuring patients regain their strength and mobility.

Overview of Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a common condition among active individuals and athletes, often resulting from repetitive stress or strain on the tendon. Gaining insight into its triggers, manifestations, and available treatments is essential for effective management and sustained foot wellness.

What is Achilles Tendinitis?

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, located at the back of the lower leg. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, facilitating movements like pushing off during walking or running.

Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse, injury, or strain. This inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, making everyday activities challenging.

Types of Achilles Tendinitis

  1. Insertional Achilles Tendinitis: Impacts the lower segment of the tendon where it meets the heel bone.
  2. Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinitis: Involves fibers in the middle portion of the tendon, often resulting in small tears or degeneration.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis

  • Pain along the back of the heel or lower leg.
  • Stiffness or swelling in the tendon area.
  • Tenderness when touching the Achilles tendon.
  • Increased pain during or after physical activity.

Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure effective treatment.

      Foot Pain Leg of woman which runner athletic by running shoes sitting on grass in the park holding he feet and stretch the muscles in morning sunlight .Health care concept
      Man using massage ball to alleviate Achilles tendinitis discomfort.

      Causes and Risk Factors

      Common Causes

      • Overuse from sports or physical activities.
      • Sudden increases in activity level or intensity.
      • Insufficient preparation or lack of adequate stretching before activities.

      Risk Factors

      • Age: More common in older adults.
      • Previous injuries: Conditions like flat feet or high arches.
      • Poor footwear choices: Improper biomechanics or lack of support.

      Diagnosis of Achilles Tendinitis

      Professional Evaluation: Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history.

      Diagnostic Imaging: Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, may be used to assess the extent of tendon damage.

      Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinitis

      Conservative Treatments

      • Rest, Ice, and Elevation: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
      • Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and tendon strength.
      • Orthotics and Supportive Footwear: Provides added support and alleviates strain.

      Medical Interventions

      • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
      • Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation (if applicable).

      Surgical Options

      • Surgery may be considered for severe or chronic cases that do not respond to conservative treatments.

      Our Expert Podiatrist

      Dr. Jason Sweeley is a leading expert in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendinitis. With years of experience and a patient-focused approach, Dr. Sweeley ensures the best possible outcomes for his patients.

      Dr. Sweeley tailors treatment approaches to each patient’s unique needs, emphasizing individualized care for optimal recovery.

      Prevention of Achilles Tendinitis

      Preventive Strategies

      • Incorporating thorough warm-up and cool-down exercises as part of your routine.
      • Gradual increases in activity intensity to avoid overuse.
      • Choosing supportive and comfortable footwear.

      Lifestyle Modifications

      • Maintaining a healthy weight.
      • Incorporating overall fitness to reduce strain on the tendon.

        When to Seek Help

        Persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty in movement warrants professional evaluation. Prompt attention can prevent worsening of the condition.

        Achilles tendinitis is a manageable condition when addressed early. Learning about its causes, warning signs, and treatment methods is crucial for effective recovery and maintaining long-term foot health.

        Don’t let Achilles tendinitis limit your mobility. Seek expert care to regain your active lifestyle.
        Schedule an appointment with Silver Spring Foot and Ankle today! Contact us to evaluate and treat your Achilles tendinitis effectively.

         

        Our Foot & Ankle Care Services

        Feet, those important but often overlooked extremities at the ends of your legs, are subject to all sorts of trauma and pressure throughout your life—including your neglect of them. Sometimes they hold up well, but they often have little “meltdowns” or break down completely. Where do you go when foot problems strike? To an expert on feet, of course! Silver Spring Foot and Ankle is the place to come to relieve foot pain and learn how to treat them properly so they can reward you with a lifetime of service. Following are some of our specialty areas in caring for feet.

        Heel Pain

        Nothing slows you down quite like sore, aching, painful heels. Whether you’re a runner prepping for your next race, a parent chasing kids around the house, a farmer or factory worker, or a senior trying to stay active and independent, heel pain interferes with daily living and keeps you from what you love.

        If you are having any kind of trouble with heel pain, it’s time for a chat with your podiatrist. Don’t shrug it off and pretend it’s just “part of growing older.” It isn’t! Heel pain is not normal, and our team specializes in helping you get rid of it and go back to leading a fulfilling, active life!

        Ankle Sprains

        Your ankles are delicate, fascinating constructions that might remind you of the inner workings of a watch. Every piece plays a specific role and moves smoothly when all is going well. Injuries happen, however, which can affect any of those complex pieces and provide pain and discomfort for you. An ankle sprain is a rather common one, even for non-athletes. There is a good chance that you have had one—or will have one—at some point in your life.

        Bunions

        A bunion is a complex structural deformity that affects the foot around the base of the biggest toe.

        Essentially, that joint (known as the metatarsal phalangeal joint, or MTP) becomes unstable and shifts out of alignment. The toe itself starts to push toward, against, and sometimes even over the neighboring toe. Meanwhile, an enlarged, bony bump forms along the inside of the foot at the base of the toe.

        They can be unsightly and cause pain but fortunately, we can help.

        Ingrown Toenails

        An ingrown toenail occurs when one edge or corner of a toenail—usually (but not always) on the largest toe—grows into the surrounding nail fold skin.

        The most obvious symptoms are pain and tenderness along the nail border. You may also notice redness and swelling of the skin. If the ingrown toenail becomes infected, there may even be pus or a foul odor.

        Ingrown toenails can lead to further complications, including fungal nail infections. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, an infected toenail could be a precursor to an amputation if you do not seek treatment immediately.

        Nerve Pain

        Why does an injury actually hurt? In simple terms, it’s because nerves near the injured area transmit pain signals to the brain, triggering a response.

        Well, what happens when the nerves themselves are injured, diseased, or otherwise damaged? The result could be many kinds of painful or uncomfortable sensations, including prickling, freezing, shocking, jabbing, or even hypersensitivity.

        Surgery

        Although we are highly trained and board-certified in several advanced surgical procedures, our first choice is always going to be solving your foot problem conservatively if it is possible to do so.

        But there are still cases where surgery really is the best (or only) way to restore healthy, pain-free function to your feet. If foot pain or mobility issues continue to adversely affect your quality of life on a day-to-day basis, and you’ve exhausted all nonsurgical options that could realistically provide the relief you deserve, it’s time to start considering surgical alternatives.

        Full-Service Foot Care in Mechanicsburg, PA

        We see patients with these issues and others such as sports injuries, infections, or skin and nail conditions. Our goal is to relieve pain and allow you to participate as fully as possible in the life activities you enjoy. Call Dr. Jason Sweeley at Silver Spring Foot and Ankle and find the help you need to regain or maintain your foot health. Call (717) 237-9000 , or schedule using our online form and we’ll do our best for you!