Achilles Tendon Injury: What to do

April is Foot Health Awareness Month. Our specialists at Ozark Orthopaedics believe in the importance of taking care of the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body. This tough band of fibrous tissue connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon allows you to point your toes toward the floor and raise up your tiptoes.

Unfortunately, this tendon is a common site of injury. Achilles tendon injuries can happen to anyone, whether you’re a weekend warrior or an athlete.

Injury to the Achilles tendon can be mild or moderate. When this happens, you usually feel a burning pain or stiffness in that part of the leg. In cases of severe injury (partly or completely torn Achilles tendon), the pain can be so severe.

What is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is the most common injury to the Achilles tendon. It’s often a result of the overuse of the tendon, resulting in inflammation.

Although it can affect anyone, Achilles tendinitis usually affects runners who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of their runs. It can also happen to people who play sports such as basketball and tennis.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis

Pain is the most common symptom associated with Achilles tendinitis. It usually starts as a mild ache that begins at the back of the leg or just above the heel. The pain is felt after a run or playing the sport. Pain can get so severe after spending a long time running or climbing up the stairs.

Aside from pain, there can also be stiffness or tenderness usually felt in the morning.

Treatment Options for an Achilles Tendon Injury

Mild to moderate cases of Achilles tendinitis respond to self-care strategies, such as:

• Rest
Avoid putting weight on the affected leg. You may need crutches to support yourself.

• Ice
Put cold compress on the affected site. Do this up to 20 minutes at a time.

• Compress your leg
Applying wraps or elastic bandages can help in reducing the swelling and in reducing the movement of the tendon.

• Elevate
Raise the affected foot above the level of your heart, including the time when you’re asleep.

When to See a Doctor an Achilles Tendon Injury

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter pain medications don’t provide enough relief or if the pain is so severe, it’s best to see a specialist.

Our doctors at Ozark Orthopaedics have years of experience in assessing and treating Achilles tendon injuries such as tendinitis. For appointment requests, please contact us at (479) 521-2752.