Achilles Tendon Specialist

Why are Achilles Tendon issues so common?

Your Achilles Tendon allows you to point your foot downward, rise on your toes, and push off your feet. You rely on it whenever you walk or move your foot, and it acts as a shock absorber when you jump or run, including when you play sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis. These sports require you to quickly change direction, slow down, or speed up.

Though your Achilles Tendon is highly durable, it gets a lot of use, and that means a high potential for injury. Achilles tendon issues often happen when you go beyond your physical limits.

Achilles tendinitis, one of the most common problems with the Achilles tendon, is chronic inflammation that results from overuse.

Factors that increase your risk of Achilles tendon issues include:

• Suddenly increasing your activity level
• Not stretching and warming up properly before playing sports
• Running on an uneven surface
• Having a heel spur, or bony bump in your heel
• Having naturally flat feet

Achilles tendon injuries, including tears and ruptures, can also happen abruptly if the tendon can’t handle the sudden pressure placed on it. Many people experience injuries when they land awkwardly after a jump.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon injury?

Achilles tendon injuries commonly cause pain or stiffness in your calf. You usually feel the pain or stiffness after you’ve been resting, including when you first wake up. Often, the discomfort gets worse when you exercise, or simply as you go about your day performing your usual activities.

Other symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include:

• Lingering heel pain
• Tenderness and inflammation
• Difficulty bearing weight

If you heard or felt a pop in your calf when you experienced your injury, you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon. If you feel any lasting pain or discomfort in your calf or heel, be sure to schedule an appointment for Dr. Bocian to take a look, make a diagnosis, and determine a course of treatment.

How are Achilles Tendon injuries treated?

It’s crucial to rest your leg so you can allow your Achilles tendon to heal. To help relieve discomfort and inflammation while you heal, Dr. Bocian may recommend:

• ND:YAG laser
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
• Wearing a brace or walking boot to stabilize your heel
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Custom orthotics

Dr. Bocian may recommend surgery to repair your Achilles tendon if you don’t respond to conservative treatment, or if you have a more serious condition, including a rupture or chronic Achilles tendinitis.

To get a diagnosis for pain and stiffness in your calf or heel, schedule an appointment at the practice of Darin A. Bocian, DPM, online or over the phone.