Achilles Tendinitis: Causes and How to Avoid Long-Term Damage

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. While it’s incredibly strong, it’s also prone to overuse injuries like Achilles tendinitis. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the heel, making everyday activities uncomfortable. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we provide expert care to treat and prevent Achilles tendinitis, ensuring you stay active and pain-free.

What is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. It often develops due to repetitive stress on the tendon, particularly in athletes and active individuals. Without proper care, the condition can progress to more serious issues, such as tendon degeneration or rupture.

Causes of Achilles Tendinitis

Several factors contribute to the development of Achilles tendinitis, including:

1. Overuse and Repetitive Stress

2. Activities like running, jumping, or intense sports can strain the tendon over time.

3. Sudden Increases in Activity

4. Abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity can overwhelm the tendon.

5. Improper Footwear

6. Shoes without adequate heel support or cushioning can place extra strain on the tendon.

7. Tight Calf Muscles

8. Limited flexibility in the calf muscles increases tension on the Achilles tendon.

9. Foot Structure

10. Conditions like flat feet or high arches can alter the mechanics of the foot, leading to increased stress on the tendon.

11. Aging

12. The Achilles tendon naturally weakens with age, making it more susceptible to injury.

    
    

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis

Common signs of Achilles tendinitis include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort at the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after activity.

• Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling along the tendon.

• Tenderness: Pain when pressing on the tendon or when moving the foot.

• Thickening of the Tendon: In chronic cases, the tendon may appear thicker than usual.

• Difficulty Walking or Running: Pain and stiffness can make weight-bearing activities uncomfortable.

  
  

Diagnosing Achilles Tendinitis

At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we use the following methods to diagnose Achilles tendinitis:

1. Medical History and Symptom Review: Discussing your activity level, footwear habits, and symptoms.

2. Physical Examination: Checking for pain, swelling, and range of motion limitations in the Achilles tendon.

3. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the severity of inflammation or detect tendon degeneration.

   
   

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis can usually be managed with non-surgical treatments, though severe cases may require more advanced care. Treatment options include:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

• Avoid high-impact activities that aggravate the tendon. Switch to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling during recovery.

2. Ice Therapy

• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage inflammation and discomfort.

4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

• Gentle stretches for the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can improve flexibility and reduce tension.

• Eccentric Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises like heel drops can strengthen the tendon and promote healing.

5. Orthotics and Heel Lifts

• Custom orthotics or heel lifts can reduce strain on the tendon by improving foot mechanics.

6. Physical Therapy

• A licensed physical therapist can guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program, including exercises and manual therapy.

7. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

• A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area.

8. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

• PRP therapy involves injecting your own concentrated platelets to promote tissue repair.

9. Surgical Intervention

• Surgery is reserved for severe cases, such as chronic tendinitis or a ruptured tendon. It may involve removing damaged tissue or repairing a torn tendon.

  
  

How to Prevent Achilles Tendinitis

Preventing Achilles tendinitis involves reducing strain on the tendon and maintaining overall foot health. Here are some tips:

1. Gradually Increase Activity Levels: Avoid sudden changes in intensity or duration when starting a new workout routine.

2. Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support, especially for sports and high-impact activities.

3. Stretch Regularly: Stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon daily to maintain flexibility.

4. Cross-Train: Incorporate low-impact activities like swimming or yoga to reduce repetitive stress.

5. Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Exercises that target the calf, ankle, and foot muscles can improve stability and reduce strain.

   
   

Complications of Untreated Achilles Tendinitis

If left untreated, Achilles tendinitis can lead to:

• Tendon Rupture: A complete tear of the tendon, which requires surgical repair.

• Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort that interferes with daily activities.

• Tendon Degeneration (Tendinosis): A long-term condition where the tendon becomes weak and prone to further injury.

  
  

When to See a Podiatrist

You should seek professional care if:

• Pain and swelling persist for more than a few days.

• The tendon feels stiff or thickened.

• You have difficulty walking, running, or performing daily activities.

• You suspect a tendon rupture, characterized by a sudden “pop” and severe pain.

At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we provide personalized care to treat Achilles tendinitis and prevent further complications.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Achilles tendinitis doesn’t have to sideline you. With the right treatment and preventive care, you can get back to doing the activities you love. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

📞 Call us today at (754) 296-5900 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 2951 Northwest 49th Avenue, STE 204, Lauderdale Lakes, FL, ZIP 33313. Let us help you take the first step toward healthy, pain-free feet!