When it comes to podiatry, our ankles and heels are tender topics. There are several conditions you can develop that quickly become painful and sometimes debilitating which impact our heels, ankles, and the structures around them. The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that helps connect your calf muscles to your heel bone.

When Achilles tendinitis sets in, it is often characterized by a few key symptoms:

• Aching pain in the back of the leg above your heel
• Painfulness after running, stair climbing, blunt impact to the heel, jumping on hard surfaces, or often standing up on your toes.
• The onset of pain after participating in a new type of exercise or increased difficulty exercises

 

Repetitive injuries or overuse of the Achilles tendon can lead to the development of Achilles tendinitis, especially if you are someone at a higher risk of developing tendinitis.

 How can you tell if you’re at risk?

• You often run or jog
• You are overweight or obese
• You have flat feet or fallen arches
• You recently started a new or more intense fitness regimen
• You are mostly sedentary during the week but become very active over the weekend
• You’re aging or older than 30 years of age – the tendon naturally weakens with age
• You are experiencing a combination of risk factors listed above

 

Thankfully, Achilles tendinitis is often easily treated at home. With rest, ice, and elevation, Achilles tendinitis can be remedied in a do-it-yourself fashion. In rare cases, Achilles tendinitis becomes a chronic issue or even fully ruptures, which needs surgical intervention.

When Achilles tendinitis does not resolve with rest and treatment at home, it is time to see a podiatrist! Contact us today to schedule your appointment to see our doctors, Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, or Dr. Christine I.Tumele at Foot & Ankle Specialists in Monroe (734-241-0200) or Lambertville (734-856-8900), Michigan.