What is the Achilles tendon?
Your Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body. This tendon sits at the back of your lower leg and connects your calf muscles to your heel and foot. Because of your Achilles tendon, you can stand on your toes when walking, jumping, or running.
Even though your tendon is strong, physical activity and improper movements can stress it out and lead to painful injuries. Achilles tendon injuries can happen to anyone but are especially common in amateur and professional runners, tennis players, and basketball players because of the repetitive movements required of certain sports.
What conditions affect the Achilles tendon?
Your Achilles tendon is vulnerable to a variety of injury types. One of the most common is Achilles tendonitis, a condition that results from repetitive stress or overuse of the Achilles tendon.
Other Achilles tendon conditions the team at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery diagnoses and treats includes:
- Tears
- Bursitis
- Ruptures
- Tendinosis
- Peritendinitis
- Tendinopathy
These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and skin discoloration around your lower leg and foot. If you continue to be physically active, damage to your Achilles tendon can worsen and affect your mobility.
How are Achilles tendon conditions treated?
Initially, you may find relief of Achilles tendon pain with rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. The team at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery may also recommend alternating heat and ice therapy to minimize inflammation and pain.
You might need physical therapy to support the healing of an injured Achilles tendon. If your Achilles tendon ruptures, the foot and ankle specialists may recommend surgery to repair it.
Custom orthotics and well-fitting shoes can reduce your risk for more serious Achilles tendon damage. The team at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery also provides resources to help you protect your Achilles tendon from additional overuse injuries by teaching you proper warm-up exercises before running and other activities.
If you have persistent pain in the back of your leg or above your heel, request a diagnostic evaluation of your Achilles tendon online or by calling New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery today.
