Overview of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation in the achilles tendon. The achilles tendon is a tendon that is attached to a muscle in the calf and then inserts into the back of the heel bone (called the calcaneus). This tendon is used when walking, running, jumping, or pushing upwards with the toes. The inflammation can occur for many reasons that usually involve foot type, shoe preference, and activity. It can be a chronic problem with chronic inflammation that can be challenging to completely resolve. It’s important to treat early on if possible to have the best resolution of symptoms and to return to full function.
Location of Achilles Tendon
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Typically achilles tendonitis isn’t due to a sudden injury, but instead to repeated extra stress to the tendon. For example, a runner may push themselves to include extra miles each day without letting their feet ease into that extra stress.
Another cause is not stretching the calf muscles before starting a rigorous exercise or run, and failing to do this routinely.
Some types of feet, such as those with flat feet (less of an arch to the bottom of the foot), can also add stress to the tendon.
The spot where the achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone can have a bone spur (an extra growth of bone) that can add stress to this tendon.
Wearing high heels that prevent the achilles tendon from full extension is another typical cause. It’s also very common for atheletes to stress the achilles tendon by not wearing proper shoes that provide full support. Even if the right shoes are chosen, but they aren’t replaced after they become worn, the lack of support to the feet is still a problem.
Dr. Richardson has extensive experience in figuring out achilles tendon issues, as well as ankle and heel pain in general. To determine the root cause of your back of ankle or heel pain, please call us at 425-658-0658 to schedule an office visit.
Redmond Foot & Ankle has the latest in digital x-ray scanners, saving you cost and time. If a high resolution x-ray is needed for diagnosing your heel pain, it can usually be performed and interpreted in the very same visit.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis
Stiffness or pain to the achilles tendon, especially in the morning, where light activity then relieves the pain and stiffness.
A visible thickening of the area of the tendon at back of the ankle.
Swelling of the back of the ankle that worsens with activity.
After major activity such as an exercise workout, significant pain felt in back of the ankle or back of heel.
Difficulty walking with severe pain may be indicative of a partial tendon tear.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Dr. Richardson uses an individual approach to meet the needs of all our patients, ranging from children to the more mature population. She and her staff will work together with you as a team to address your achilles tendon concerns, offering treatment guidance and support that fits in your busy lifestyle.
If achilles tendon surgery is needed, Dr. Richardson performs surgeries at the top hospitals around Puget Sound.
Dr. Richardson has been treating achilles tendonitis for 22 years. Call us today to diagnose and treat your feet.
Redmond Foot & Ankle is the podiatry clinic of Dr. Amy Richardson. We are a full service podiatry clinic located in the heart of Redmond, Washington. We provide experienced foot and ankle care in a professional and comfortable setting.
Dr. Richardson is board-certified with 22 years of experience. She uses an individual approach to meet the needs of all her patients, from young children to the more mature. As both a surgeon and clinician, she has solved a diverse range of foot and ankle ailments.
Redmond Foot & Ankle accepts most insurances (see list). Our clinic is modern, comfortable, and clean. The clinic has a state-of-the-art digital x-ray system on-site that saves our patients time and expense. We also use the latest in 3D digital foot scanners to create precise custom orthotics. We have convenient free easily accessible parking.
