EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACHILLES TENDONITIS

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As we go about our days walking, jumping, running, and standing is normal activities we endure. What we may not realize is each of these activities involves using your Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the tendon that attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone.

When you’ve put too much strain on this area of your body, you may experience Achilles tendonitis which means you have inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It also means you should schedule an appointment at a foot and ankle clinic to see a foot and ankle specialist. It’s better to get looked at and have a preventative care plan than to let the issue go on unchecked.

WHAT CAUSES TENDONITIS?

While there are a wide variety of things that can cause you to have Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to first understand the two different types of tendonitis.

  1. Insertional Achilles tendonitis

  2. Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis

Insertional Achilles tendonitis is the area that attaches the tendon to your heel bone. While non-insertional Achilles tendonitis is the fibers in the middle of your tendon. This mostly affects active younger aged people.

Let’s discuss what causes tendonitis:  

  • Excessive walking

  • Excessive running

  • Excessive strength training

  • Not adding a warm-up to your exercise routine

  • Playing tennis

  • Playing sports that require you to quickly change directions

  • Not allowing a slow progression into your endurance training

  • Wearing poorly fit shoes

  • Wearing shoes that have no support

  • Consistently wearing high heels without resting your feet and legs

  • Age

Now that you’ve had a chance to understand what causes tendonitis, you may be wondering how you can determine what qualifies as Achilles tendonitis symptoms.

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WHAT ARE ACHILLES TENDONITIS SYMPTOMS?

  • Pain and swelling of your heel

  • Tight calf muscles

  • Limited range of flex motion with your foot

  • Signs of poor heel and foot circulation such as warm skin on touch

Hopefully, you never experience any of these symptoms but in the case where you do, they should not be ignored. By ignoring your pain, you could further damage your Achilles which ultimately could have you needing to undergo Achilles tendon surgery.

Though it may be disruptive to your daily or weekly plans, scheduling an appointment with a foot specialist will help ensure you know the exact cause and care plan moving forward.

At River Podiatry we provide individualized, comprehensive, evaluation and treatment of patients with podiatric issues. The practice specializes in foot surgery and the treatment of foot pain. Expect the best possible care utilizing the most modern techniques.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PODIATRIST

Rockland County Podiatrist, Dr. Han, of River Podiatry in Pearl River New York, can help you follow a preventative or treatment plan if you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or any running-related injury or pain. Make an appointment today. 

At River Podiatry we provide individualized, comprehensive, evaluation and treatment of patients with podiatric issues. The practice specializes in foot surgery and the treatment of foot pain. Expect the best possible care utilizing the most modern techniques.

Jungwoo HanRiver Podiatry