Achilles Tendonitis

Central Massachusetts Podiatry  >  Our Services  >   Achilles Tendonitis

Are you suffering from inflammation in the back of your leg near your heel? Achilles tendonitis is a very common condition and can be treated by the doctors at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester, and Westborough, Massachusetts. Make an appointment with Dr. Feldman, Dr. Saviet, Dr. Monette or Dr. Pelto today.

Achilles Tendonitis Q & A

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition affecting the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon of the leg, which connects the calf muscles to the heels. Both professional and recreational athletes may sustain this common injury.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis may include the following:

• Difficulty flexing the leg or extending the toes
• Experiencing pain and stiffness along the tendon upon waking
• Experiencing pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity
• Experiencing severe pain the day after exercising
• Experiencing swelling along the tendon
• Having a bone spur
• Hearing a “popping” noise in the heel or calf
• Thickening of the tendon

If you experience any of the above symptoms for an extended period and symptoms do not go away with home care, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

What causes Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is essentially an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon due to repetitive stress. Sometimes, this happens when a person starts a new exercise routine, or increases the intensity of an existing activity too quickly.

Other causes for Achilles tendonitis may include having tight calf muscles that put extra pressure on the tendon, or having a bone spur along the heel that creates friction against the tendon.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

At Central Massachusetts Podiatry, Drs. Feldman, Saviet, Pelto, and Monette focus on implementing rest, offering support to the tendon, and reducing inflammation when treating Achilles tendonitis. Self-care and over-the-counter pain medications are generally sufficient in improving symptoms. However, your doctor may also suggest physical therapy exercises directed at stretching, strengthening, and healing the tendon, and the surrounding structures of the leg and foot.

In some cases, patients may require special orthotic devices to support the tendon as it heals. If the tendon is severely ruptured, surgery may be required. Contact our offices to learn more about Achilles tendonitis treatment.