Achilles Tendon Injuries

Your Achilles tendon, the longest tendon in your body, connects calf muscles to bones in your rearfoot. Because of your Achilles tendon, you can point and flex your foot. Achilles tendon injuries, or Achilles tendinitis, can stem from a wide variety of issues, including:

• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Injury or trauma
• Abnormally tight tendons
• Improper stretching before exercise
• Overexertion, such as while starting a sprint

Without rest and proper treatment, your Achilles tendon injury will likely progress.

When your Achilles tendon is stressed, overused, or strained, you can wind up with severe pain and inflammation in the back of your calf, all the way down to your heel bone. Achilles tendon injuries can lead to:

• Swelling
• Throbbing
• Aching

The symptoms you experience are generally worse when you try to flex or point your foot, which are natural movements you make simply by walking.

If you tear your Achilles tendon, possibly while participating in a sporting activity, you might even feel or hear a “popping” sensation, which indicates a possible Achilles tendon rupture.

Your dedicated podiatrist at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center thoroughly evaluates your foot and ankle and may perform range-of-motion evaluations to determine the severity of your Achilles tendon injury.

They might gather ultrasound or digital X-ray images right in the office to help confirm an Achilles tendon injury or to rule out related conditions.

After diagnosing you, your podiatrist reviews your treatment options and works with you to design a treatment plan. Your Achilles tendon injury treatment may include:

• Bracing or splinting
• Compression wrapping
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy

In severe cases, like if you have a rupture or Achilles tendon tear, you might need surgery. The foot and ankle surgeons at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center can repair or graft an Achilles tendon injury, so you can have a full recovery and get back to your regular activities.