Phoenix, United States, July 19,2019- The Achilles tendon is a strong tendon that connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is important for this tendon to stay strong because it is essential in performing activities, like running and jumping activities.

If the Achilles tendon becomes irritated, inflamed, or swollen, it results in tendonitis. This may occur due to –

• increased intensity of a new sport

• wearing inappropriate shoes while exercising

• tight calf muscles

Symptoms of this condition can include –

• pain and discomfort near the heel that worsens with activity

• difficulty in flexing and pointing the foot

• thickening of the tendon

• pain and stiffness in the morning

• bone spur (insertional tendinitis)

Effective treatment options include –

• resting the foot

• exercises to strengthen the calf muscles

• wearing custom orthotics

Achilles tendon injuries need to be treated immediately to avoid the condition from worsening. If you feel you have injured your Achilles tendon, consult a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment options.

Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon is a tendon connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel. It is the strongest tendon in the human body that makes it possible for you to move. Since this tendon is plays an essential role in movement, any injuries to it can create several difficulties and should immediately be attended to by a foot doctor.

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury

Among the various injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon, the most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation

• Dull to severe pain

• Increased blood flow to the tendon

• Thickening of the tendon

• Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Your podiatrist will use a thorough physical evaluation and imaging such as X-rays and MRI to diagnose Achilles tendon injuries. Your podiatrist will look for swelling or thickening along the Achilles tendon, bony spurs at the back of your heel, the point of maximum tenderness, severity of pain and range of motion in your ankle.

Treatment options involve rest, medications such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, exercises, weight loss, custom orthotics, cortisone injections, and in severe cases, surgery. The surgical procedure may vary based on the extent of damage to the tendon.

However, such injuries can be prevented with –

• stretching exercises of the tendon before and after exercise and/or sports

• strengthening exercises like calf raises and squats

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