All Things Achilles
Whether you are a weekend warrior on the field or a serious, dedicated athlete, one area of injury concern is your Achilles tendon. Two injuries we see here all the time at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC, are Achilles tendinitis and a ruptured Achilles tendon. Your Achilles tendon is vital to your ability to walk, which makes proper care and treatment essential!
How do Achilles injuries occur?
Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and allows you to raise your heel off the ground. There are three possible types of Achilles tendon injuries:
1. Tendonitis, which is an inflammation. This one can be resolved fairly quickly.
2. Tendonosis, which is a degeneration that often occurs because an inflamed Achilles was not given the chance to rest and recuperate.
3. Rupture, which is a tear in the tendon, either partial or complete.
Overuse is the main cause of Achilles injuries. Typically, increasing intensity or duration of an exercise or a sport can cause tendonitis. A rupture can be caused by one big, sudden push off, such as starting a race or quickly making a shot in basketball.
What are the symptoms of Achilles issues?
·The main symptom is pain. This might come on acutely (especially if it’s a rupture) or it could be a sustained ache. Chronic conditions see pain increase with activity and subside with rest.
·Tenderness in the sides of the tendon.
·Pronounced nodules in the tendon.
·Difficulty walking or turning your heel up.
How can I treat Achilles issues?
If you’ve damaged your Achilles tendon, the first thing you should do is have Dr. David R. Sullivan do a complete examination of your foot. Exams often include x-rays or other digital imaging. Treatment will depend on how severe the injury is, but both non-surgical and surgical treatments are available to treat Achilles issues.
If you’ve damaged your Achilles on the field, it’s important to see your podiatrist. Dr. David R. Sullivan here at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC, is experienced in the needs of feet throughout every stage of life. Our office utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and cutting-edge technologies to treat any foot or ankle woes. You can reach our conveniently located Westfield, IN office at 317-896-6655.