Achilles tendinitis is an injury that can affect both a person’s mobility and quality of life. At COPAC, we are committed to helping our patients recover from this condition effectively and safely.
With years of experience and a team of highly trained professionals, we are here to provide the best orthopedic and traumatology services, including specialized care in cases of Achilles tendinitis.
In this section, we will give you all the information you need about this condition and how we can help you overcome it.
Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon that is located at the back of the leg, just above the heel of the foot. This tendon is a thick, tough tissue that attaches the calf muscles to the bones of the foot, being a very important element in the ability to walk, run, and jump.
The most common causes of Achilles tendinitis are:
A sudden increase in the intensity or amount of an activity.
Very tight (not stretched) calf muscles.
Abusing jumping in sports such as basketball.
Direct trauma to the tendon.
Use of inappropriate or worn footwear.
Have you noticed swelling, weakness, or pain in your heel and ankle area?
You need to seek medical attention! Contact COPAC, schedule an appointment, and get the right treatment.
Symptoms that characterize Achilles tendinitis include:
Pain in the heel area and along the tendon.
Stiffness and discomfort in the heel, especially in the morning or after a prolonged period of rest.
Swelling or lumps in the Achilles tendon.
Tenderness or severe pain when the tendon is compressed.
Weakness in the heel and ankle area.
To diagnose Achilles tendinitis, it is necessary to obtain the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination of the affected area. Subsequently, imaging tests are carried out such as: X-rays, which can help rule out other diseases; and/or more advanced tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, to obtain detailed images of the tendon and determine the severity and extent of the injury.
If a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon is suspected during testing, the “Thompson’s sign” may be performed as a diagnostic test. In this test, the calf is squeezed while the patient is lying on their stomach with their feet up. If there is no movement of the foot, complete rupture of the Achilles tendon is confirmed.
It is important to seek medical help when experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendinitis, as early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent the need for surgery.
Treatment for Achilles tendinitis may include conservative and/or surgical options depending on the severity of the injury; Among them we can mention:
The affected tendon requires prolonged rest to allow it to recover; It is also recommended to periodically apply ice or cold compresses to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
During Achilles tendinitis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, such as: ibuprofen, naproxen, among others; in order to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
A physical therapy specialist may recommend exercises to strengthen your calf muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve pain.
When Achilles tendinitis doesn’t improve after several weeks or if the condition is very severe, the specialist might recommend other treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or surgery to repair the damaged tendon.
Do you suffer from pain in your heel and back of your leg?
You could be suffering from Achilles tendinitis. Don’t waste any more time, contact our specialists now.
Ignoring pain in the back of the heel can increase the condition
Turn to us for proper treatment and a pain-free return to your life!
