Your Achilles tendon is incredibly strong, in fact, it is the largest tendon in the body, but it’s also susceptible to injury. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to limit discomfort and return to an active lifestyle. Board certified foot and rear foot surgeon Michael Howell, DPM, knows just what it takes to effectively treat Achilles tendon-related problems, including tears, ruptures, and inflammation. To schedule your appointment at the Coldwater, Michigan office, call the office today.
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from the back of your heel to the lower part of your calf. It connects your feet to your legs and assists you in walking, running, jumping, and other physical activity.
Because your Achilles tendon plays such an important role in movement, it can also experience wear-and-tear on a daily basis. Over time, this increases your risk of certain conditions and injuries that can sideline you, negatively affecting your mobility.
What are some common Achilles tendon-related problems?
Dr. Howell diagnoses and treats several Achilles-tendon related problems, including:
Achilles tendon tears
If you play sports or run regularly, you might experience an Achilles tendon tear. These tears may be large or small and can occur suddenly or gradually. They commonly cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Achilles tendon ruptures
An Achilles tendon rupture causes your Achilles tendon to snap into two separate pieces. Usually, this occurs during exercise and makes a loud “popping” noise. It may even feel like someone kicked you in the back of your ankle or leg. Achilles tendon ruptures cause intense pain, sudden swelling, and weakness. They nearly always require surgery or immobilization of your ankle.
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis occurs due to inflammation and irritation. Activities like running, jumping, or walking can irritate your Achilles tendon, causing stiffness and decreased mobility. Usually, Achilles tendonitis responds to conservative treatments like ice, rest, and over-the-counter medications.
Achilles tendonosis
Achilles tendonitis occurs due to inflammation and irritation. Activities like running, jumping, or walking can irritate your Achilles tendon, causing stiffness and decreased mobility. Usually, Achilles tendonitis responds to conservative treatments like stretching, ice, rest, and over-the-counter medications.
How are Achilles tendon injuries diagnosed?
o diagnose an Achilles tendon injury, Dr. Howell physically examines your foot and ankle, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms. He will order an X-ray in his office, and may order an MRI to see if you have a calcified or torn tendon, and to pinpoint the existence of bone spurs or inflammation.
How are Achilles tendon injuries treated?
Treatment of Achilles tendon injuries depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. If you experience minor damage, you might benefit from conservative measures like stretching, ice, rest, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
More severe injuries may require physical therapy, oral corticosteroids, bracing, or offloading in a boot. If your pain does not improve with the above measures or if you rupture or tear your Achilles tendon, surgical intervention will most likely be necessary.
To learn more about your treatment options for Achilles tendon injuries, schedule an appointment with Michael Howell, DPM, at his office in Coldwater, MI. Call the office today.