Expert Care for Achilles Tendonitis
Tendons are strong cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. There are several tendons in the foot and ankle, the largest of which is the Achilles tendon, a band of tissue that connects the calf muscles in the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.
The Achilles tendon is also the most common foot and ankle tendon to become inflamed and painful, often due to overuse. When this happens, it is called Achilles tendonitis.
Schedule an Appointment
The orthopedic specialists at University Hospitals have the advanced skills and experience to treat all foot and ankle conditions, including Achilles tendonitis. To schedule an appointment, call 216-220-9088 or schedule online.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
In the earliest stages, Achilles tendonitis may manifest as a mild ache in the back of the calf after running, sprinting, stair-climbing or other athletic activities involving the legs. Pain and burning sensations may become more severe if the activity continues for a long time or if the tendon is injured or torn. Additional symptoms may include:
- Morning muscle stiffness and pain in the calf muscle
- Swelling and warmth in the heel or along the tendon
- Discomfort when standing
The inflammation and weakened muscles associated with Achilles tendonitis may cause foot and ankle instability and lead to further injuries, such as a sprained ankle.
Who Is at Risk for Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis can occur in anyone but is most common in those with an active lifestyle, including athletes. Runners who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of their runs are at higher risk as are older adults who occasionally engage in sudden bursts of sports activity such as tennis or basketball.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
The highly trained orthopedic experts at University Hospitals diagnose Achilles tendonitis based on a physical exam, the patient’s medical history and lifestyle and their description of the pain and its location. Imaging tests may also be used to rule out more serious problems that could be causing the pain.
If Achilles tendonitis is suspected or confirmed, the following treatments may be recommended:
- Conservative Self-Care Strategies
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Most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor's supervision. Self-care strategies are usually recommended on an ongoing basis to prevent recurring episodes and may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Rest
- Exercises to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon
- Application of ice or moist heat
- Physical Therapy
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If Achilles tendonitis becomes severe, chronic or reoccurring, patients may benefit from physical therapy. At University Hospitals, our trained orthopedic physical therapists engage patients in an active step-by-step rehabilitation program that emphasizes safe, heavy-load exercises.
In addition to specialized exercises, our therapists may use a range of supplementary therapies, including:
- Splints or braces to limit movement
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Tissue mobilization
- Topical gels
- Specialized taping including kinesiotape
- Dry needling or trigger point injections
- Complementary Therapies
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Our orthopedic physicians and therapists are highly knowledgeable about leading-edge complementary therapies that may stimulate healing in patients with tendonitis. These include:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Shock wave therapy
- Ultrasound dry needling
- Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery
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If improvement is not seen after conservative tendonitis treatments including physical therapy, or if the tendon is torn or ruptured, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended.
University Hospitals is one of the few health systems in the region that offers tendoscopy surgery to repair ankle or foot tendon damage. A tendoscopic procedure is like arthroscopic surgery and uses a small camera and special instruments. The scope is inserted through a tiny incision inside the sheath or tunnel that surrounds the tendon so that scar tissue can be removed or the tendon repaired.
University Hospitals is also one of only a few facilities in the region with specialists trained to perform a minimally invasive procedure called Tenex. The advantage of Tenex is that the tendon repair is done using ultrasound guidance to both locate the injury and then use a tiny needle to repair the tendon – all in one procedure. With this minimally invasive surgery there is less bleeding and scarring, quicker recovery and a faster return to normal activity.
Make an Appointment
Our orthopedic experts offer in-person and virtual visits. Call 216-220-9088 or schedule your visit online today.