What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles Tendinitis is pain associated with stretching, tearing and strain the Achilles tendon. The Achilles is the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the back of the heel.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the back of the heel
- Sharp heel pain when the first few steps (standing up after sitting or when getting out of bed)
- A tearing or stretching sensation along the back of the heel or the lower portion of the calf.
Causes:
Anything that causes stretch, strain or excessive loading forces on the Achilles:
- Flat feet
- Excessive pronation (rolling inward of the foot/ankle)
- Wearing flats or shoes with low heel height
- Increasing sports activities too quickly
- Running (especially uphill)
- Tight calf muscles
- Many biomechanical factors
Diagnosis:
We use in office diagnostic ultrasound to provide a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes an MRI can be helpful as well. Typically an X-ray will not show Achilles tendinitis but can show associated heel spurs or calcifications in the tendon.
Treatments:
- Heel lifts
- Appropriate shoes
- Stretching
- Custom foot orthotics
- Medications
- Braces
- Physical Therapy
- Splints
- Activity modification
- Surgery
At Valley Foot and Ankle we offer innovative treatments for Achilles Tendinitis: