Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon – the thick band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping, making it vulnerable to strain and inflammation. If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, Dr. Laha and Dr. Hall offer expert foot and ankle care, ensuring you can get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. It’s especially common in athletes or individuals who engage in activities that involve frequent running or jumping. However, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to develop this condition. Weekend warriors and those with sudden increases in physical activity are at risk too.
Some of the most common causes of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Overuse or repetitive strain: Running, jumping, or walking uphill frequently can overwork the tendon.
A sudden increase in activity: Starting a new exercise routine or ramping up your workouts without proper preparation can strain the Achilles tendon. - Tight calf muscles: Limited flexibility in the calf muscles can put extra stress on the Achilles tendon.
Improper footwear: Wearing shoes without adequate support, especially during physical activity, can lead to tendon irritation. - Foot structure issues: Flat feet or high arches can create abnormal stress on the tendon, increasing the likelihood of injury.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis typically starts with mild pain at the back of the leg or above the heel after physical activity. Over time, the pain may worsen and become more persistent. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or stiffness: Often felt in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest, especially at the back of the heel.
- Swelling: Noticeable around the tendon.
- Tenderness: Pain that worsens with activity but improves with rest.
- Thickening of the tendon: In chronic cases, the tendon may thicken due to prolonged inflammation.
- Difficulty walking or standing on your toes: Severe cases can make basic movements painful and challenging.
If you experience persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest, it’s time to consult a specialist. Don’t hesitate to contact the foot and ankle experts at KC Foot Specialists. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications, such as tendon rupture.
Solutions for Achilles Tendonitis
Treating Achilles tendonitis depends on the severity of the condition. At Kansas City Foot Specialists we take a conservative approach, starting with non-surgical treatments before considering surgery. Here’s an overview of the options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that cause pain is crucial for recovery.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through stretches and exercises to improve strength and flexibility, which helps relieve tension on the tendon.
- Orthotics and Supportive Footwear: Custom orthotics or shoes with proper arch support can reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and swelling.
ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy) – this non-invasive therapy can help by stimulating blood circulation and healing. It is generally used when other treatments have failed.- PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) – PRP injections work by injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own blood platelets into the affected area, which contain growth factors that stimulate the body’s natural healing process to repair damaged tissue within the tendon, reducing inflammation and pain while promoting tissue regeneration and new blood vessel growth.
When Surgery Is Necessary
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief after several months, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, Dr. Laha and Dr. Hall perform foot and ankle surgery in our state-of-the-art Surgery Center of Blue Valley in Overland Park. This surgery center is designed with patient comfort and advanced care in mind. With dedicated staff and cutting-edge equipment, we offer the best possible environment for successful Achilles tendonitis surgery and recovery.
Preventing Achilles Tendonitis
While not all cases of Achilles tendonitis are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Warm up properly before exercise to loosen muscles and tendons.
- Incorporate calf stretches and strengthening exercises into your fitness routine.
- Wear supportive footwear, especially during physical activities.
- Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid sudden strain on the tendon.
Get Back on Your Feet with Kansas City Foot Specialists
If you’re experiencing persistent pain or have difficulty walking, it’s crucial to consult a specialist. Dr. Laha and Dr. Hall at Kansas City Foot Specialists are adept at diagnosing conditions and determining whether surgery is necessary. When Achilles tendonitis surgery is necessary, we have one of the most advanced foot and ankle surgery centers in Kansas City dedicated to foot and ankle surgery. We can’t promise you won’t have to be off your feet for a bit, but in our state-of-the-art Surgery Center of Blue Valley, you’re in good hands.
Don’t let Achilles tendonitis keep you from living your life. Call Kansas City’s foot and ankle pros at Kansas City Foot Specialists at 913-338-4440 to schedule an appointment or book online. Let us help you get back on your feet!
