Achilles Tendonitis And Your Podiatrist

by | Jul 8, 2014 | Surgery

A podiatrist in The Woodlands TX examines feet for many different types of injuries. These include Athlete’s Foot, Heel Spurs, Bunions and Stress Fractures. Among the most common of foot conditions is Achilles tendonitis. This condition can occur in people of all ages but is most frequently found in the young.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a problem that affects the Achilles tendon connecting your heel to your calf muscles. This tendon is used whenever you walk, leap, skip or run. Although the Achilles tendon is durable, it can fall victim to overuse and degeneration. When this happens, you will suffer from Achilles tendinitis. The elderly tend to suffer from arthritis related Achilles tendonitis. Your podiatrist will be able to sort out any causal factors.

Symptoms

Someone who has Achilles tendonitis suffers from pain near the heel at the back of the leg.
The following symptoms may occur:

* Pain and/or stiffness along the tendon in the morning and/or as you increase your activity level

* An increase in pain the day after exercise

* Development of a bone spur – particularly with the elderly

* A thickening of the Achilles tendon

* Obvious swelling in the affected area

A podiatrist will be able to recognize the symptoms and arrange for treatment.

Your Podiatrist and Treatment Options

There are two basic types of treatment options: nonsurgical and surgical. The former may involve something as simple as placing ice on the affected area followed by changes in your daily activities. This may mean replacing running with an activity of lesser physical impact on your feet such as swimming or biking. Other nonsurgical options include:

* Changes in footwear

* Specific exercises prescribed you your podiatrist

* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. aspirin

* Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)

If these measures fail to ease the problem, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. This will remove entirely the causal factors of abnormality and/or heel spur.

Achilles tendonitis is a common condition treated by many foot doctors. A podiatrist in The Woodlands TX can diagnose the issue. He or she can then recommend a treatment suitable for your needs.

Looking for a Podiatrist in the The Woodlands TX? Why not check out Business Name? We can diagnose and treat your foot pain and get you back on your way with less foot pain and a higher quality of life.  To learn more, visit us at website.

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