Achilles Tendinitis Specialist

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is a common sports-related injury characterized by inflammation of your Achilles tendon. Your Achilles tendon is a thick band of fibrous tissue that connects your heel bone to the muscles in the lower half of your leg. 

Achilles tendinitis affects people of all ages and genders, but it’s especially common in runners who increase the intensity or duration of their workouts. You’re also more likely to suffer from Achilles tendinitis if you’re middle aged and play sports such as tennis or basketball on the weekends.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

The symptoms of Achilles tendinitis vary from person to person. However, it usually starts as a dull pain in the back of your heel that occurs after running or other physical activity. As the condition progresses, you may experience more severe pain. You might also experience tenderness or stiffness in your heel after long periods of sitting or when you first wake up in the morning. 

Who is at risk of developing Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including: 

• Being a man
• Being middle-aged
• Having psoriasis or high blood pressure
• Having flat feet or high arches

You’re also more likely to experience Achilles tendinitis if you exercise in worn-down shoes or shoes that don’t provide adequate arch support. 

How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?

To diagnose Achilles tendinitis, Dr. Lee reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and physically examines your foot and ankle. During your exam, Dr. Lee gently presses on your affected heel to determine the location of swelling, tenderness, and pain. 

If these tests don’t provide adequate information, Dr. Lee might also order a series of X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at the joints, bones, and tendons in your feet and ankles.

How is Achilles tendinitis treated?

Dr. Lee usually recommends conservative, noninvasive means of treatment to relieve the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis. Following an exam, he might recommend rest, at-home exercises, or custom orthotics. If these methods of care don’t provide relief, Dr. Lee might recommend corticosteroid shots or physical therapy. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This is especially true if you tear or rupture your Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendinitis is a common problem that’s easily treatable. Make an appointment at CarePlus Foot and Ankle Specialists by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.