Achilles Tendonitis

About 24% of athletes have Achilles tendon injuries during their lifetime. Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, usually caused by repetitive stress, but it typically improves with rest and proper rehab. At Gaston Mike Liu LLC in Commack, New York, board-certified podiatrist Gaston Liu, DPM, treats Achilles tendonitis using the latest advances in technology and techniques. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Your Achilles tendon connects your calf to your heel. It can get irritated (Achilles tendonitis) from too much activity too quickly, poorly fitted shoes, or tight calves. If the back of your heel or ankle hurts, flares up after activity, or feels tight in the morning, Achilles tendonitis may be the culprit. See Dr. Liu at Gaston Mike Liu LLC to ease your discomfort. 

Which symptoms can Achilles tendonitis cause?

The following are symptoms of Achilles tendonitis:

• Ankle pain
• Heel pain
• Swelling near your Achilles tendon
• Leg weakness
• Tendon tenderness or stiffness
• Discomfort in the morning, especially when taking your first steps
• Soreness after long work shifts
• Pain after exercise
• Discomfort if you go uphill or climb stairs
• Pain that keeps returning
• Swellling or tenderness along the back of your ankle or heel
• Irritation 
• Inflammation 

If your discomfort is ongoing (lasting more than 2-3 weeks), keeps returning, is severe, or causes you to limp — or if you’ve felt major weakness or a sudden pop — see Dr. Liu for an evaluation. 

What increases the risk of Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis risk factors may include:

• Tight or weak calves
• Sudden increase in walking, running, climbing stairs, going up hills, or playing sports
• Standing for long periods
• Flat feet
• Feet that roll inward
• Wearing unsupportive shoes 
• Overuse
• Playing sports
• Quick starts and stops during sports
• Running
• Dancing
• Physically demanding job
• Being a weekend warrior (doing intense exercise on weekends only)
• Bone spurs
• Overpronation

Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can weaken the affected tendon, leading to a complete tear or rupture. 

How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?

Dr. Liu can diagnose Achilles tendonitis by reviewing your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. He examines your ankles and feet. He might order X-rays, an ultrasound, an MRI, a CT scan, or another diagnostic procedure to determine the best way to treat your condition.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

Your personalized Achilles tendonitis treatment plan may consist of:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Activity changes
• Footwear changes
• Heel lifts
• Gentle stretching
• Strengthening exercises 
• Physical therapy 
• Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Walking boot
• Splint
• Rehabilitation
• Laser therapy 
• Shockwave therapy 
• Injections 
• Medications

It’s helpful to temporarily cut back on sprinting, jumping, stairs, hills, and long walks in favor of lower-impact activities while your tendon heals. 

Choose shoes with good structure and stable heels. Avoid wearing flexible and flat shoes during a tendonitis flare-up. 

Schedule an Achilles tendonitis evaluation at Gaston Mike Liu LLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.