Relieve and Heal Achilles Tendinitis with Shockwave Therapy
The Achilles tendon is the largest in the body and connects your calf muscles to the heel bone at the back of your lower leg. Achilles tendinitis is a painful inflammation of this tendon.
You may feel a mild ache in that area after running or other workouts. The harder the workout, the higher your pain level will be. Other symptoms include stiffness and tenderness in the morning that improves with easy activity.
Risk factors for this injury include suddenly ramping up your activity, such as abruptly increasing the duration and distance of a run. Men are more prone to Achilles tendinitis and the risk grows as we age. A flat arch, tight calf muscles and being overweight put more strain on the tendon. Running on worn-out shoes can trigger a tendon problem as well as other injuries.
If you have persistent pain in the Achilles tendon, especially any sudden and severe pain, please call us right away for an evaluation.
Treating Achilles Tendinitis
Tendinitis can be treated at home with the RICE method: Rest, Ice the area, apply Compression bandages and Elevate the leg. Over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications, as well as prescription drugs can help ease the pain and reduce inflammation.
A custom-fitted orthotic can elevate the heel to ease strain on the tendon as well as help cushion the heel. Physical therapy strengthening and stretching exercises can promote healing of the Achilles tendon.
We have had great success with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in treating Achilles tendinitis. Shockwave therapy uses pulses of sound waves to increase blood flow to the injured area, promoting healing through the body’s own processes. The procedure is performed right in our office with little downtime for patients.
Surgery to repair the tendon may be necessary if conservative methods and shockwave therapy have no effect.
Prevent Achilles Tendinitis with Careful Workouts
Increase activity gradually.
Warm-up before exercise and sports activities.
Stop and rest if pain develops.
Invest in good footwear including athletic shoes. Select styles with adequate cushioning and a firm arch support. Replace shoes when worn out.
Stretch the calf area every day and before and after exercise.
Cross-train by alternating high-impact activities with swimming and cycling.
Let Us Help with Your Heel and Calf Pain
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tshudy is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County, conveniently located in Enfield and South Windsor, CT.