Our Albuquerque Podiatrists Explain the Causes and Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis

What is the Achilles Tendon?

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon-the longest tendon in the body-runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the “heel cord,” the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.

Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendonosis

Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time the condition usually progresses to a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis), in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to achilles tendondevelop microscopic tears. Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the tendon.

Symptoms Of Achilles Tendonitis

The symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis include:

Pain-aching, stiffness, soreness, or tenderness-within the tendon. This may occur anywhere along the tendon’s path, beginning with the narrow area directly above the heel upward to the region just below the calf muscle. Often pain appears upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest, then improves somewhat with motion but later worsens with increased activity.
Tenderness , or sometimes intense pain, when the sides of the tendon are squeezed. There is less tenderness, however, when pressing directly on the back of the tendon.
When the disorder progresses to degeneration, the tendon may become enlarged and may develop nodules in the area where the tissue is damaged.

Achilles Tendonitis Causes

As “overuse” disorders, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are usually caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers. Due to this ongoing stress on the tendon, the body is unable to repair the injured tissue. The structure of the tendon is then altered, resulting in continued pain. Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are also common in individuals whose work puts stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers, as well as in “weekend warriors”- those who are less conditioned and participate in athletics only on weekends or infrequently. In addition, people with excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis due to the greater demands placed on the tendon when walking. If these individuals wear shoes without adequate stability, their over-pronation could further aggravate the Achilles tendon.

Diagnosis

In diagnosing Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis, the surgeon will examine the patient’s foot and ankle and evaluate the range of motion and condition of the tendon. The extent of the condition can be further assessed with x-rays, ultrasound or MRI.

Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis

Treatment approaches for Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis are selected on the basis of how long the injury has been present and the degree of damage to the tendon.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics treat Achilles tendonitis by improving foot mechanics, providing cushioning, enhancing heel alignment, redistributing pressure, improving overall foot function, and reducing muscle fatigue. This multi-faceted approach helps in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing process of the Achilles tendon.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps accelerate the healing of Achilles tendonitis by promoting tissue repair, reducing pain, breaking down calcifications, enhancing blood flow, and improving tendon flexibility and strength. This therapy is usually administered in a series of sessions, with each session lasting about 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's response to treatment.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to promote healing and reduce symptoms of Achilles tendonitis. It achieves this by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, enhancing tissue repair, improving blood flow, stimulating collagen production, reducing scar tissue, and boosting the immune response. This therapy is typically administered in several sessions, with each session lasting about 10-20 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition and the specific protocol used. Laser therapy is completely painless and does not require any downtime.

Prevention

To prevent Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis from recurring after surgical or non-surgical treatment, the foot and ankle surgeon may recommend strengthening and stretching of the calf muscles through daily exercises. Wearing proper shoes for the foot type and activity is also important in preventing recurrence of the condition.

Speak With an Albuquerque Expert Podiatrist Today!

You might be confused and frustrated with your foot pain, but you can rest assured that we can help. Whether you require urgent care or want to schedule a routine checkup, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 505-880-1000 or through our online form on our website.

With experienced Albuquerque, NM podiatrists on staff, we are able to offer a wide range of podiatric services. We also specialize in heel pain, sports injuries, skin and toenail issues and many other podiatric conditions.