Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendinitis services offered in Brooklyn , NY

Nearly one-fourth of athletes develop Achilles tendon injuries during their lifetime. In the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, skilled podiatrist Howard Frank, DPM, diagnoses and treats Achilles tendinitis to ease pain and speed up healing of the affected tendon. Schedule an evaluation today by calling Dr. Frank’s office or booking an appointment online.

Achilles Tendinitis Q & A

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon, a tissue band that connects your calf muscle to the heel bone. It can be painful and often develops because of overuse. If rest and self-care have not eased heel discomfort caused by Achilles tendinitis, see Dr. Frank for an evaluation to determine how to best treat your condition and avoid complications.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis symptoms include:

Heel pain
Ankle discomfort
Tenderness
Stiffness
Swelling around the affected tendon
Irritation
Leg weakness

The heel or ankle pain you develop could worsen with exercise or the day after physical activity. It might become more severe in the morning, if you walk or run uphill, or when you climb stairs.

What are the risk factors for Achilles tendinitis?

The following may contribute to developing Achilles tendinitis:

Exercise
Repeated stress
Overtraining
Playing sports
Running
Dancing
Physically demanding job
Suddenly increasing exercise intensity
Weak or tight calf muscles
Flat arches in your feet
Bone spurs
Overpronation (your ankles roll down) when you walk

If not treated, Achilles tendinitis increases the risk of further tendon breakdown and an Achilles tendon rupture/tear.

How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?

Dr. Frank examines your feet and ankles, discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and may suggest X-rays, an ultrasound, an MRI, or a CT scan to confirm your diagnosis and detect or rule out additional concerns. He customizes a treatment that provides relief and reduces your chance of painful complications.

How is Achilles tendinitis treated?

Treating Achilles tendinitis with Dr. Frank may consist of one or more of the following:

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Altering physical activity
Supportive shoes
Orthotics
Splinting
Walking boot or cast
Medications
Physical therapy
Shockwave therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other Injections
Ultrasound-guided tenotomy (breaking up damaged tissues)
Ultrasound-guided tendon scraping
Laser therapy
Minimally invasive surgery

If other treatments haven’t worked or your tendon has ruptured, Dr. Frank may recommend surgery to repair the affected tissues.

Reduce your risk of further injury by avoiding repetitive strain, warming up and stretching before exercise, wearing comfortable shoes, and not running or walking on uneven surfaces.

Ease Achilles tendinitis pain by scheduling an evaluation with Howard Frank, DPM, by phone or requesting one online today.