Achilles Tendon

St. Cloud Foot and Ankle Center

Podiatrists located in St. Cloud, MN, Paynesville, MN, Melrose, MN & Becker, MN

Achilles tendonitis can make your everyday routine uncomfortable. Let the podiatrists at St. Cloud Foot and Ankle Center treat your Achilles pain in one of their Central Minnesota offices located in St. Cloud, Becker, Paynesville, and Melrose. You shouldn’t have to suffer from Achilles discomfort, so call the location nearest to you, or schedule an appointment online.

Achilles Tendon Q & A

What causes Achilles pain?

The Achilles tendon, or heel cord, is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse problem, where the Achilles tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. This is usually short-lived. If the condition is ongoing for an extended period, it can lead to Achilles tendonitis and structural changes within the tendon itself.

What are the symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis?

You may have Achilles tendonitis if you experience:

Pain, soreness, and aching in the back of the heel
Pain along the tendon running above the heel and below the calf muscle
Pain that is worse in the morning, after resting, or with prolonged activity.
Tenderness or pain when the tendon is squeezed.
Over time, the tendon becomes thick or lumpy.

How does the podiatrist treat Achilles tendonitis?

The course of treatment depends on how long your symptoms have been present. The doctor conducts a full exam, possibly including X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis.

Early on, your podiatrist may recommend some of the following:

Immobilization

You may be given an immobilization boot or a cast to allow your tendon to rest and promote healing. Decreasing activities that make your symptoms flare up is also recommended.

Heel lifts

A small wedge underneath your heel can temporarily decrease the stress on your tendon.

Ice

Apply ice to the affected area for 15 minutes, several times a day.

Medications

Oral NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, can be helpful to reduce pain and swelling.

Orthotics

Custom shoe inserts improve your alignment and take stress off your Achilles tendon.

Physical therapy

This may involve stretching and strengthening exercises, ultrasound therapy, soft-tissue massage, and gait training.

If your symptoms have been going on for an extended period and non-surgical treatments aren’t working, surgery may be necessary. Your podiatrist will discuss with you the best procedure to repair your tendon.

The team of podiatrists at St. Cloud Foot and Ankle Center are experienced in treating Achilles tendonitis and other conditions impacting the Achilles. Seeking treatment right away can relieve pain quickly and avoid further damage. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to get on the road to recovery.

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