Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon, which is the large ligament that runs down the back of your leg. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. You use it for most of the movements you make each day, from running and walking to climbing stairs and jumping. When you’ve injured or inflamed it, Achilles tendon pain shoots down the back of your leg and sometimes around your heel as well.
If you have Achilles tendon pain, have it evaluated by an experienced team of pain management doctors before it worsens and leads to a ruptured Achilles tendon. At New York Pain Center, you have access to pain management physicians who are highly skilled in treating a variety of pain conditions including:
Pain in the back of your ankle and heel area — or along the length of the Achilles tendon — is usually the first sign of Achilles tendinitis. It often starts as a mild ache that gradually worsens. Over time, other symptoms appear, including:
A sudden popping sound in the back of your heel followed by a sharp pain is a sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon. If your Achilles tendon ruptures, it may may bring you to your knees because your leg can no longer support your weight. You see this type of pain in athletes who rupture an Achilles tendon on the playing field. They have to be helped off the field.
Overuse is a common cause of Achilles tendon injury or inflammation. You’re more susceptible to tendonitis from a sports injury if you only exercise or participate in sports sporadically, such as only on the weekends. Other factors that increase your risk of Achilles tendonitis include:
The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens as you get older, which means the risk of developing this condition increases with age. Some medical conditions increase the risk of developing tendonitis, such as high blood pressure and psoriasis.
The first step is to diagnose Achilles tendonitis. Your pain management doctor checks for swelling or tenderness, and then evaluates your range of motion. Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Non-surgical Achilles tendonitis treatment usually provides some relief within a few months, although recovery time varies based on the severity of the damage.
At New York Pain Care, your doctors always prefer to administer integrative treatment for Achilles tendonitis. Your treatment usually includes:
Achilles tendon rupture treatment may include using crutches to help rest the tendon if the tear is not complete. If conservative measures don’t provide relief or if the tendon tear is fully broken, your doctor may have to consider surgery as a last resort to repair the tendon or to lengthen the calf muscle.
Achilles tendonitis is painful. The condition makes walking and other activities difficult. Don’t ignore the signs of Achilles tendonitis or a ruptured tendon. If pain or difficulty moving is affecting your daily activities, get in touch with New York Pain Center.
The doctors at New York Pain Center are board certified and are committed to ensuring you get the right care from the right doctors. They take the time to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan. Office locations are available in Union, Morris and Bergen County, New Jersey, as well as in New York City. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.
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