We demand a lot from our body each day, especially when it involves our feet and ankles. We rely on these areas every time we stand or walk, not to mention more physical pursuits, such as running, dancing, and trying to sink that layup on the basketball court.
These actions are possible because of the Achilles tendon. This band of tissue connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. And, while this tendon is very strong, it’s not immune to overuse. If it gets overused, it can get inflamed, which is a condition called Achilles tendonitis.
Achilles tendonitis often manifests as heel pain, and certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing this condition, including the following:
Our providers at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle treat Achilles injuries on a regular basis at our locations Corona and Ontario, California. In this blog, we go over a few signs that can indicate the presence of Achilles tendonitis.
A key sign of Achilles tendonitis involves the location of your symptoms. This tendon starts at the top of your heel bone, which is an area known as the Achilles tendon insertion. If symptoms strike here, your Achilles tendon could be the cause.
Another sign of Achilles tendonitis involves swelling and inflammation in the area. These symptoms occur when the tendon becomes irritated or damaged. In response, your body’s natural defenses kick in, triggering symptoms like swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Unlike injuries from sudden trauma or impact, Achilles tendonitis generally develops from overuse. For example, this may occur if you suddenly increase the intensity or amount of exercise you engage in without giving your body sufficient time to adjust. In doing so, this may cause irritation and microdamage to the tendon, leading to pain and discomfort.
Do you feel pain and stiffness in your heel each morning? Whether it’s with your first steps or while you’re still lying in bed, it’s time to take a closer look at your Achilles tendon. This discomfort arises because circulation to this part of your body decreases while at rest.
However, several conditions can cause heel pain in the morning, including plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and stress fractures. But, when you have Achilles tendonitis, your symptoms usually improve slightly with movement but continue throughout the day.
Do you have problems standing on your toes? Or do you have problems walking? Your calf muscles give you the power to push your foot up as you walk, and your Achilles tendon helps your foot go back down again. If you have problems with these actions, this may be due to problems with your Achilles tendon.
Fortunately, you can often treat Achilles tendonitis without having surgery. However, it’s crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and follow your treatment strategy closely so your tendon can heal and you can reduce symptoms.
In many cases, Achilles tendonitis is treated with one or more of the following:
We can also make personalized recommendations to help you avoid ongoing problems with Achilles tendonitis in the future, especially if you engage in sports.
Do you have the telltale signs of Achilles tendonitis? To get evaluated and receive the care you need, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advanced Care Foot and Ankle today.