ACHILLES TENDONITIS
The Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that connects the two large calf muscles to the heel bone, and allows the foot to extend and the toes to point. The long tendon is used during walking, running, and jumping.
Injuries to the Achilles tendon include nagging problems like tendonitis, as well as major issues such as tears or ruptures. Many Achilles Tendon injuries are the result of overuse or a sudden, forceful movement typically performed in sports.
What is Achilles
Tendonitis?
One of the most common sports injuries treated at American Foot & Leg Specialists is an Achilles injury or rupture. Most often it is caused by runners who change their running routines and increase their mileage, such as the amount of uphill running, and even in changes in footwear can cause injury. These factors can lead to Achilles tendonitis, a condition of irritation and inflammation of the large tendon in the back of the ankle, which can cause swelling and become quite painful if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Tendon Injury Treatments
When a patient comes into our office with a foot or ankle injury, we start by taking an X-ray of the injured body part. If the X-ray comes back negative, our doctors may utilize other modalities, such as dynamic ultrasound, to accurately diagnose a possible ligament rupture. This device allows our specialists to show patients the thickening or rupture of their ligament, and provides information that helps inform our doctors when prescribing a specific treatment plan for each patient.
After assessing your injury, your doctor at American Foot & Leg Specialists may suggest rest, icing the area, and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Your doctor may also propose that you wear an insert in your shoe while you recover, and implement stretching and strengthening exercises. It will protect your Achilles tendon from further stretching.
These techniques will usually ease pain and allow the injury to heal. However, in some extreme cases of Achilles tendonitis you may need a cast for 6 to 10 weeks, or even surgery to repair the tendon or remove excess tissue.
At American Foot & Leg Specialists, our doctors are able to perform X-rays right in their offices without having to send the patient out for an MRI. Our patients find being able to begin treatment right away very convenient.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results may vary.
schedule a consultation today!
American Foot and Leg Specialists draws patients from all over the Atlanta area. Our 4 locations in Stockbridge, Forest Park, Fayetteville, and Locust Grove, are just short drive from Midtown, Buckhead, East Point, College Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, Irondale, McDonough, and Peachtree City. Schedule a consultation today to eliminate your foot and ankle problems.
