Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a common sports injury, but it can happen to anyone and cause severe pain in the back of your ankle. At Basin Podiatry in Odessa, Texas, board-certified podiatrist Hillary Brunner, DPM, has treated patients of all ages for foot and ankle problems, including Achilles tendon ruptures and injuries. If you have an injury to your Achilles tendon, you might benefit from podiatric care. To schedule your consultation, call the office or click on the online booking tool today.

What is the Achilles tendon?

Your Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that goes down the back of your lower leg and connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. The Achilles tendon is essential for walking, as it helps to raise your heel off the ground with each step. 

If you tear or rupture your Achilles tendon, it can make it impossible for you to take a step forward.

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a common condition in which your Achilles tendon becomes inflamed from overuse or repetitive activities. 

In many cases, Achilles tendonitis resolves itself when you take a break from the activity that causes the inflammation. However, if left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can progress to the degeneration of the tendon. This condition is called Achilles tendinosis.

Athletes who put repeated stress on their Achilles’ tendons are at risk for developing tendonitis, as are men and women who engage in occasional sports activities and fail to properly warm up. 

Additionally, if you have flat feet, you may develop Achilles tendonitis as a result of excessive stress on your tendon simply from walking. Symptoms may be mild, but they can become more persistent if left untreated.

What are the signs of having Achilles tendonitis?

Most people who injure an Achilles tendon will know immediately that something is wrong. You may notice a popping sound or experience a sharp pain in the back of your ankle and calf when it happens. You may also have difficulty walking without severe pain. Other symptoms may include:

• Feeling like you’ve been kicked in the calf
• Severe pain and swelling near your heel
• Inability to stand on the affected foot
• Inability to walk forward or push off the injured foot

It’s common to have foot surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon, but for many people, nonsurgical treatments can also be effective. Dr. Brunner will explain the benefits of different treatment options, so you can make an informed decision regarding how you’d like to repair your Achilles tendon injury.

If you have Achilles tendonitis, Basin Podiatry can treat it with expert strategies so you can find relief from your condition. Call the office or click on the online booking tool today.