Achilles Tendon Injuries: Dealing With The Outcome

You are almost completing your morning run in a bid to stay healthy. Then, you experience sharp pain, in your heel and the lower part of your leg so bad is it that you can’t complete the last lap. If you live in Colorado Springs achilles tendon inflammation is treated by a professional podiatrist who will help you resume your regular exercise regimen.

Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon is a soft tissue typically behind the foot. It lies between the heel bone and your calf muscles. Inflammation of the tissue is termed as Achilles tendonitis.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Apart from experiencing pain above your heel during and after physical activities like exercise, there are also several signs to watch out. For instance, your heel may become stiff and sore, especially with the cooler morning temperatures. Additionally, you might hear a creaking sound like opening a door whenever you move your ankle.

Wearing shoes can also exert pressure on your heels which then makes it painful. You may also tend to experience difficulty in maintaining stability on the affected foot. Swelling on the heel is also imminent.

Possible Causes

There are several reasons which can trigger the inflammation. For instance, if you are running 10 km/hour on the treadmill, then suddenly increase to 30 km/hour, you might experience the injury. Therefore, it is also crucial to warm up your body before proceeding to vigorous exercises.

If you wear ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and also lowly supportive shoes as you exercise, you might experience the injury. Additionally, it is also essential to stretch out your calves muscles before and after physical exercises. If you have taken a long break from exercise activities, it is crucial to prepare your calf muscles, and also slowly incorporate the practices to your routine. Sudden exercises after such a time can cause the injury.

Furthermore, if you experience a high-impact fall or blow effecting your calf muscles, you have high chances of sustaining the injury. In case you’re wondering, people who engage in more physical activities, like athletes, are more susceptible to experiencing the Achilles tendon tear or inflammation.

The older demographic also tend to experience more Achilles tendon injury. Additionally, taking antibiotics and cortisone for extremely long periods can increase your chances of developing the damage, as they weaken the Achilles tendon.

What Your Doctor Says

If you have sustained an Achilles tendon inflammation or tear, the best approach is conservative medical care. Your doctor can also opt for x-ray imaging, MRI, or an ultrasound scan if your condition is severe. As a result, it is crucial to incorporate more rest and ankle immobilization techniques. Therefore, use a brace, splint, or even boots to reduce the mobility of your ankle.

In extreme cases that result from having a severe tendon tear, your podiatrist may opt for regenerative treatment to boost your recovery. Always ensure you avoid over bending and over twisting your ankle. Plus, constant jerky movements are detrimental to your Achilles tendon.

It is also advisable to follow the right prescription when your doctor gives you anti-inflammatory medication.