The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. This links the heel bone to the calf muscle. In spite of it being a strong tendon, problems with the Achilles are quite common. Tendonitis can develop at any age but as we age, the tendons become less elastic and tolerate less stress.
The most common symptom is pain above the heel especially when stretching the ankle or standing on your toes. If you think you might have Achilles tendonitis, check in with your podiatrist before it gets any worse.
To prevent Achilles tendon injuries, make sure to stretch the tendon and calf muscles before and after exercise. It is also important to wear appropriate shoes for your activities. The better the arch support, the less strain there will be on the heel and the associated muscles. Avoid running on uneven paths to prevent bumpy landing on your feet. To prevent strain on your Achilles, pace your activities. If you have an exercise or a sports program, increase the intensity and activity slowly and don’t take on too much too fast. Stay in good shape and keep your muscles as strong as they can be. It is also good to vary your exercise routine to work on different muscle groups and prevent individual muscles from getting overused.
The time it takes for Achilles tendonitis to heal without surgery varies. It also depends on the cause such as if it was caused by a direct blow or an overuse injury among others. If the condition does not heal after 6 to 12 months after nonsurgical treatment, then surgery may be considered. Achilles tendon surgery aims to remove the scar tissues and damage tendon, repair tendon tissue, stimulate the tendon, relieve pain, and allowing return to normal activities.
If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis usually takes a turn for the worse. It can lead to a chronically painful condition known as tendinitis. Some people may continue to play through the pain, not knowing that this can become a serious injury if not treated properly. If you have Achilles tendon rupture that goes untreated, then this may heal poorly or not at all and cause long-term problems for your comfort and mobility.
If treated properly, Achilles tendonitis usually resolves quickly. It is best to see your podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment options.
Platelet Rich Plasma is also used to heal Achilles tendon rupture without surgery. Full ruptures of the Achilles tendon can be helped with PRP injections done in the office. See results of a new tendon formation in as little as 2 weeks. This video shows Dr. Kevin Lam of NaplesPodiatrist.com interviewing a patient less than 4 weeks after a full Achilles tendon rupture.
For more information on Achilles tendonitis and heel pain, you may contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com
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