As a podiatry clinic, we often see patients with Achilles tendinopathy, and we understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy.

Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which is the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. This injury can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected area, and can significantly impact your ability to walk, run, and engage in other physical activities. As a podiatry clinic, we often see patients with Achilles tendinopathy, and we understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy.

Causes of Achilles Tendinopathy Achilles tendinopathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, poor footwear, and biomechanical issues. Overuse is a common cause of Achilles tendinopathy, particularly in athletes who engage in high-impact sports like running or jumping. Poor footwear, such as shoes that do not provide enough support or cushioning, can also put undue stress on the Achilles tendon and lead to injury. Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to Achilles tendinopathy by altering the way weight is distributed across the foot and ankle.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy The symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon. The pain may be worse when walking or running, and may improve with rest. Some patients may also experience a popping or snapping sensation in the affected area. If left untreated, Achilles tendinopathy can lead to a partial or complete tear of the tendon, which can require surgery to repair.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment for Achilles tendinopathy typically involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, medication or surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area, while also promoting healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon.

Rest: The first step in treating Achilles tendinopathy is to rest the affected area. This may involve avoiding activities that aggravate the injury, such as running or jumping.

Physical therapy: Once the pain and inflammation have subsided, physical therapy can help to strengthen the Achilles tendon and improve flexibility. This may involve exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles, as well as modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to promote healing.

Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. This may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections.

Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a partially or completely torn Achilles tendon. This may involve a minimally invasive procedure, such as arthroscopy, or an open surgical procedure.

Prevention of Achilles Tendinopathy Preventing Achilles tendinopathy involves taking steps to reduce the risk of injury to the Achilles tendon. This includes wearing supportive, cushioned footwear, engaging in regular stretching and strengthening exercises, and avoiding overuse or sudden increases in physical activity. For athletes, it's also important to warm up properly before engaging in physical activity, and to gradually increase the intensity and duration of training.

If you're experiencing pain or stiffness in your Achilles tendon, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. At our podiatry clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, and can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.