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.

         

        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.

        Describing Ankle Anatomy

        Your ankle is composed of bones, tendons, and ligaments working in conjunction to move your foot in all the ways that it can move. Tendons connect muscles to bones for movement and ligaments connect bones to bones for stability. The three bones of your ankle joint are the tibia and fibula (your lower leg bones), and the talus (the top bone of your foot). The bones are connected by three main ligaments, and these connective tissues can potentially become sprained.

        Do I Have a Sprain or a Strain?

        If your injury is to either a muscle or tendon, you likely have a strain. When you excessively stretch or tear a ligament, you have suffered a sprain. The distinction might not seem particularly helpful when an injury occurs—no one ever exclaims “Ow! I excessively stretched my ligament!”—but when you come into Silver Spring Foot & Ankle, treatment will vary based on the type of damage done. 

        Ankle sprains are the most common type of musculoskeletal injuries that people can sustain. They don’t only affect athletes; anyone can trip or stumble and land awkwardly, thereby causing a sprain. When this happens, the ligaments are stretched further than they are intended to go, and this leads to inflammation and pain.

        Let’s Get this Fixed for You

        After you have come in to see Dr. Sweeley and are properly diagnosed with an ankle sprain, it is time to care for your injury. Many treatment options for this ailment are conservative, non-surgical remedies that can be performed at home. Within the first 48 to 72 hours, the RICE method proves to be highly effective. 

        • Rest your foot to prevent any further damage to your ankle and avoid stressing out ligaments that are already inflamed. 
        • Ice your ankle for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and inflammation. When following this step, do not put ice directly on your skin, but instead use a towel or an ice bag. 
        • Compress your injured ankle with the use of elastic wraps in a firm, but not overly tight fashion. 
        • Elevate your leg, preferably above the height of your heart while laying down, in order to allow your body to absorb the fluid that has entered the affected tissue. 

        Evaluating Further Options

        The good news about ankle sprains is that the vast majority of them do not require surgery, as the ligaments will heal on their own. In severe cases, we may elect to use a brace or cast to reduce your ankle’s movement while it heals. Crutches are an option to keep your bodyweight off of the injured ankle. Additionally, you could potentially benefit from taking pain medication we prescribe to reduce inflammation and alleviate any pain you experience.

        An Ounce of Prevention

        There are certainly more critical foot and ankle problems than sprained ankles, but you would likely prefer not to deal with a nagging injury in the first place. In order to prevent this condition, wear shoes that fit well and provide support for your ankles. Exercise is simply a good idea in any case, but frequently stretching and exercising promotes strength, flexibility, and balance. Before participating in sports, have your weak ankle taped to provide additional support.

        Ankle Sprain Care

        You should be able to manage most ankle sprains on your own at home, but if it doesn’t start improving in a day or two, you might have a fracture instead. If you have any questions or need to have an injury evaluated, contact our office in Mechanicsburg, PA and  schedule an appointment  with Dr. Sweeley. Call us or fill out our contact form to get started today!

        Help for Your Ankle Sprains

        If you’ve sprained your ankle, we invite you to schedule an appointment at our Mechanicsburg office by dialing (717) 237-9000. If you prefer, our online contact form can also be used to reach out to us.