Achilles tendonitis is a condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, the large rope-like muscle that runs down the back of your leg. It is the strongest tendon in your body, and it connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. But if this tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to shooting pain in your leg and make it difficult to walk. This article will give you everything you need to know about Achilles tendonitis, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options.
What are the Causes of Achilles Tendonitis?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis. First, if you overuse your Achilles tendon, it can become irritated and inflamed. This is often seen in athletes who do a lot of running or jumping. Other risk factors for Achilles tendonitis include being overweight, having tight calf muscles, or wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support.
Achilles tendonitis can also be the result of an injury, such as a fall or a car accident. In some cases, the condition may develop due to arthritis or bacterial infection. In either case, it is important that you consult with a doctor for Achilles tendonitis in Marietta so that you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the doctor will be able to properly rule out any other possible causes of your pain.
What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis?
If you have Achilles tendonitis, you may notice a sharp pain or a dull ache in your heel or calf. This pain may get worse when you walk, run, or climb stairs. You may also notice that your Achilles tendon feels stiff and tender to the touch. In some cases, you may even see swelling or redness in the area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or otherwise, it’s important to know about the foot injuries you shouldn’t treat yourself, or else you may make the condition worse. By understanding the symptoms, you can better identify whether or not you have Achilles tendonitis and seek out the proper treatment.
How is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?
There are a number of different treatment options available for Achilles tendonitis. For mild cases, rest and over-the-counter pain medications may be enough to ease the symptoms. You can also try icing the area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need to see a doctor or physical therapist. They may recommend other treatments, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma injections
- Surgery (in rare cases)
If you have Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to rest and avoid activities that put a strain on your Achilles tendon. This will help reduce inflammation and pain. Once your symptoms start to improve, you can slowly begin to increase your activity level. If you return to your regular activities too soon, you may worsen your symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Achilles tendonitis can be a painful and frustrating condition. But with the proper treatment, you can ease your symptoms and get back to your normal activities. If you think you may have Achilles tendonitis, be sure to see a doctor or physical therapist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
