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Quality Achilles Injury Treatment 

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is both the strongest and largest tendon in the human body as it can withstand pulling forces of 1,000 pounds or more. However, it is also the most frequently injured tendon. Achilles tendon ruptures occur at a higher rate than any other tendon rupture, often occurring during athletic activity.

Achilles Tendonitis can affect anyone, even those who are sedentary. Some events that can cause achilles tendonitis are:

  • Running on hills/inclines or stair climbing.
  • Overuse or chronic repetitive strain ,resulting from the lack of flexibility in the calf muscles.
  • Training mistakes such as increasing speed or mileage too rapidly when walking, jogging, or running.
  • Returning from an injury or hiatus in exercise without proper strengthening or conditioning of the calf muscles.
  • Acute trauma due to a sudden and/or hard contraction of the Achilles and calf muscles when putting out extra effort, such as sprinting.
  • Improper footwear and/or a tendency toward torsional instability caused by oversupination (rolling out) or overpronation (rolling in). Shoes with flaccid shanks cause the Achilles tendon to work harder.
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Some symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
  • Recurring pain and/or swelling, sometimes severe, in the tendon during or a few hours after exercise.
  • Tenderness upon waking up, about an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon is attached to the heel bone.
  • A feeling of weakness in your leg.
  • Mild or severe swelling.
  • Stiffness that typically reduces as the tendon warms up with use.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get started with the best podiatrist in San Antonio. Schedule your first appointment with Dr. Davis and the team at South Texas Podiatry today.

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Achilles Tendon Treatment

There are a number of different treatment options for a ruptured achilles, such as:

  • A taping or splint that is specifically designed to restrict motion of the tendon.
  • Using NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for a short period of time under the supervision of your physician.
  • Orthotics, which are corrective shoe inserts created to help support the foot/ankle and relieve stress on the tendon, may be recommended depending on the length and severity of the problem. 
  • Controlled rest and switching to exercises that do not stress the tendon (such as swimming).
  • Stretching exercises to strengthen the relatively weak muscle group in front of the leg, calf, and the upward foot flexors, coupled with manual therapy to increase the length of the calf muscles. Deep tissue massage and ultrasound may also be utilized.

In extreme cases, surgery is performed to remove the fibrous tissue and repair any tears although minimally invasive treatments such as ESWT and the Topaz procedure have supplanted many such surgical treatments.

If you are in need of treatment or surgery for achilles tendonitis, the expert team at South Texas Podiatry can offer you pain relief to help you get back in the game. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an achilles tendon rupture?

A rupture is caused by a sudden upward force, forcing the foot upward on the ankle. The tendon can also undergo degeneration and become weak with aging, leading to a tear. Ruptures due to degeneration may occur to non-athletes 50 years of age and older, but such ruptures have also been seen in professional athletes as young as 37 years old. Degeneration can occur from a combination of factors such as decreased blood flow to parts of the tendon, chronic repetitive strain due to excessive tightness of the tendon, or torsional strain.

What is ESWT?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that treats a number of conditions by delivering shock waves into soft tissue to promote healing. ESWT can improve the symptoms of achilles tendonitis, as well as athletic activity levels and therapeutic responses. 

What happens if achilles tendonitis is left untreated?

If achilles tendonitis is left untreated, it will most likely get worse. You will likely feel chronic pain, and the tendon could be ruptured. As it goes on untreated, the condition could become much more serious. If you feel you may have achilles tendonitis, it is important to be evaluated by an ankle doctor near you.  If you are in need of a podiatrist in San Antonio, Texas, the team at South Texas Podiatry can help. 

How can I get started with achilles tendonitis treatment?

If you are looking for a foot doctor near you, Dr. Ed Davis of South Texas Podiatry has extensive experience in treating the condition. He and his podiatry team can offer treatment for a wide array of conditions, including achilles tendonitis, shin splints, bunions and more. If you are in need of treatment, visit our office at 109 Gallery Circle, Suite 119, San Antonio, Texas 78258, or call us at  (210) 490-3668 today!