Achilles Tendonitis

Do your calf muscles ache? Is the back of your heel and ankle swollen or tight? If so, you may be suffering from a common condition known as Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles tendonitis is an injury caused by overuse of the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. When overused, the Achilles tendon can get irritated, painful, stiff and swollen. Although it is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, it is also the most injury-prone due to its limited blood supply and the enormous stress placed upon it. Achilles tendonitis can worsen if not addressed properly, so address the problem promptly.

What is Achilles Tendonitis? Transcript

(This transcript is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.)

Hello, I’m Donna Robertson, Head of Training and Chief Pedorthist for Foot Solutions. Today we are going to discuss a common foot pathology known as Achilles Tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is an injury caused by overuse of the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. When overused, the Achilles tendon can get irritated, painful, stiff, and swollen. Although it is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, it is also the most injury-prone due to its limited blood supply and the enormous stress placed upon it daily. If your calf muscles ache or the back of your heel and ankle is swollen or tight, you may be suffering from a common condition known as Achilles tendonitis. There are seven main symptoms of Achilles tendonitis: Pain, irritation and stiffness of the tendon and calf Inflammation of the tendon and surrounding area Limited foot and ankle range of movement Tight calf muscles, pain and stiffness in the morning Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day with activity Heel bone deformity; and Step length is shorter because the calf muscles become weaker and cannot produce sufficient push off during walking/running Achilles tendonitis can worsen if not treated properly, so address the problem promptly. In a later video, we will discuss common treatments for Achilles Tendonitis and how Foot Solutions can help. To learn more, make an appointment with your local Foot Solutions Pedorthist or visit www.footsolutions.com. Your feet are the foundation of your health. Let us take care of them for you.

Seven Causes of Achilles Tendonitis Transcript

(This transcript is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.)

Hello, I’m Donna Robertson, Head of Training and Chief Pedorthist for Foot Solutions. In a previous video we discussed the definition of Achilles Tendonitis. Today we will outline seven causes of this condition Achilles tendonitis is an injury caused by overuse of the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. When overused, the Achilles tendon can get irritated, painful, stiff, and swollen. Here are seven causes of Achilles Tendonitis: Excessive rolling inward of the foot (over-pronation) while walking Flat feet or collapsed arches People with a short Achilles tendon often have a lack of flexibility that leads to the issue Improperly fitted shoes can be the source Inadequate stretching prior to activity Inadequate arch support Sudden increase in physical/athletic activity; chronic overuse, and direct trauma If you have Achilles Tendonitis, it is important to address the issue early before major complications arise. In a later video, we will discuss how to treat Achilles Tendonitis and how Foot Solutions can help. To learn more, make an appointment with your local Foot Solutions Pedorthist or visit www.footsolutions.com. Your feet are the foundation of your health. Let us take care of them for you.

Common Treatments for Achilles Tendonitis Transcript

(This transcript is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.)

Hello, I’m Donna Robertson, Head of Training and Chief Pedorthist for Foot Solutions. In previous videos we discussed the definition and common symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis. Today we will outline eight treatments for Achilles Tendonitis as well as how Foot Solutions can help. As always, it’s important for you to consult with your doctor before beginning any of these treatments. When you do, it is likely he or she will recommend: Proper foot support to reduce excessive stretching, which would include wearing footwear with adequate support fitted to your specific needs You may be asked to decrease, or in severe cases suspend physical activity, especially uphill climbing. You will want to apply ice after activity to reduce swelling and improve healing. Avoid excess stretching, which can in fact worsen your condition. Raise the heel with heel cups, cradles or slightly higher shoes Custom-fitted, custom-crafted arch supports (orthotics) can be used to control over-pronation, support the longitudinal arch, and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon Over-the-counter arch supports can also be appropriate for foot function; and You may be prescribed wellness shoes to help you walk properly and correct your balance Foot Solutions’ board certified Pedorthists are available in-store to help you find the properly supportive and fitting footwear and medical devices specific to your needs. We provide custom-fitted, custom-crafted orthotic insoles as well as a range of over-the-counter products, such as arch supports and wellness footwear to keep you comfortably and healthy on your feet. To learn more, make an appointment with your local Foot Solutions Pedorthist by visiting www.footsolutions.com. Your feet are the foundation of your health. Let us take care of them for you.

Symptoms, Causes and Common Treatments