The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. It connects the muscles in your calf to your heel bone. It withstands great pressure from the strong muscles of the lower leg but because these muscles play such a strenuous role in walking, running, jumping and standing, the Achilles tendon is very susceptible to injury and overuse.

It may happen when you’ve had a day where you had to go up and down the stairs many times or if you have just started running again after months away from your fitness routine. It can happen if you try to increase the speed or distance of your run or walk too quickly. Whatever the cause, the back of your lower leg is stiff and in pain. Most likely the pain will be worse in the morning of if you’ve been sitting for a while but it will also get bad after you have been very active in a sport or other physical activity. This is Achilles tendonitis and a condition we see frequently at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC.

Diagnosing and Treating Achilles Tendonitis

To confirm that the discomfort you are experiencing is indeed Achilles tendonitis, one of our podiatrists, Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, Dr. Christine I. Tumele, and Dr. Matthew W.E. Lewin, will start by taking your medical history and then examine your leg and foot. X-rays and other imaging studies are not helpful in diagnosing Achilles tendonitis but may be ordered if the foot doctor wants to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the foot and ankle surgeon will determine the correct treatment plan for you which may include some or all of the following:

• Icing the sore area
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
• Use of a cast or removable boot to immobilize the Achilles tendon in order to give it a chance to heal
• Stretching Exercise
• Physical Therapy
• Orthotics to correct a gait issue or relieve pressure on the tendon
• Night splints to keep the tendon stretched while you sleep and reduce pain upon awakening

Like many conditions, Achilles tendonitis will worsen and can become a tear or rupture if not treated promptly. If you have symptoms of tendonitis, make an appointment at either our Monroe or Lambertville office at your earliest convenience.