Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, so when something goes wrong, it makes itself known. Such is the case with Achilles tendonitis, which can leave you with nagging and persistent pain. At Michfoot Surgeons PC, Kevin Sorensen, DPM, and Randy Leff, DPM, have just the tools you need to regain pain-free movement. If you suspect you have Achilles tendonitis and you’re in the Southfield, Michigan, area, call or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
Achilles Tendonitis Q & A
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, and it connects your calf muscles to your calcaneus, or heel bone. This tendon is crucial in how you move about, allowing you to walk, run, jump, and stand on your tiptoes.
With Achilles tendonitis, this tendon becomes inflamed because of tiny tears in the tissue. If left untreated, these tears can calcify, interfering with your tendon’s ability to function properly.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?
The main symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
- Pronounced pain the day after vigorous exercise
- Swelling
- Thickening of the tendon
- Bone spurs
Your pain may come and go with your activity levels, or it may be a constant and nagging companion.
What causes Achilles tendonitis?
The primary cause of Achilles tendonitis is simple wear-and-tear. Your Achilles tendon is designed to withstand a fair amount of stress, but time and repetitive use can leave their marks, causing this connective tissue to break down.
There are many factors that put you more at risk of developing Achilles tendonitis, including:
- A sudden increase in activity levels
- Tight calf muscles
- Bone spurs
- Flat feet
- Carrying extra weight
Achilles tendonitis puts you more at risk of a partial or complete tear of the tendon, which makes seeking medical attention at Michfoot Surgeons PC a good idea.
How is Achilles tendonitis treated?
When you see Dr. Sorensen or Dr. Leff, the first order of business is determining the extent to which your Achilles tendon is compromised or damaged. Using advanced imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, the doctors are able to get a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your tissue.
Once they determine the severity of your Achilles tendonitis, your doctor develops an appropriate treatment plan for your unique situation, which may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
- Regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapies
- MLS laser treatments
If your Achilles tendon resists these noninvasive treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair your tendon.
To find relief for your Achilles tendonitis, call Michfoot Surgeons PC or fill out the online form to set up an appointment.