When you are hobbled with an Achilles tendon injury, you can really appreciate the formidable task that this largest tendon in your body performs. It connects your calf muscle to your foot at the heel and provides the strength and agility for walking, running, and even just standing. But sometimes this incredibly strong, rope-like tendon is too stressed, torn, or even completely broken, and the result is a serious injury that causes considerable pain, discomfort, and immobility.
4 initial treatments for Achilles tendonitis include the following:
- RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Physical therapy—Relaxing and fortifying your calf muscles and tendons with stretching and strengthening exercises can help to avoid these kinds of injuries.
- Properly fitted shoes with custom orthotic inserts—Your podiatrist has a variety of specially made shoes and orthotic devices that can quickly improve many foot and ankle conditions.
- Change to low impact activities—Swimming or cycling will take the pressure off your feet, allow the Achilles tendon to rest, and heal.
Don’t ignore an Achilles tendon injury and continue to play through the pain, because the chances are you will be making the condition much worse.
If you are experiencing Achilles tendon problems, see your foot doctor for the proper treatment. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.