Achilles Tendonitis
Have you…
Visited other providers with no resolution?
Tried stretching, exercises, and rest?
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is an injury from overuse of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue from your calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.
Achilles tendonitis is the diagnosis that many people are commonly given when they have a sore and/or swollen Achilles tendon. This can be misleading because the suffix -itis implies that inflammation is the only cause of the pain and will guide you toward the wrong treatment methods like ice and anti-inflammatory type treatments. However, there is also an underlying degenerative process occurring as well.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is an injury from overuse of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue from your calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. A majority of Achilles pain isn’t caused from an inflamed tendon but rather a degenerated tendon. Treatment for a degenerated tendon is completely different and highlights the importance of a proper diagnosis from the start. The Achilles tendon will degenerate when your load is too high, and it can’t keep up with the demand. It will gradually get more painful and swollen as it continues to degenerate and may eventually result in tearing or complete tendon rupture.
Muscle adhesion/fibrosis increases the load and stress on the Achilles tendon and accelerates the degenerative process. Adhesion is fixable with expert treatment from a specialist and needs to be treated first. Further steps are taken to accelerate the healing process once the adhesion has been broken down. Receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment will allow your tendon to regenerate so you can get back to doing what you love for a long time.
Common Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis usually begin as a mild ache in the back of the leg that is worse in the morning or at the beginning of activity and gets better with use. It can also be completely pain free with activity and only get sore later that day or the next morning.
Treatment & Tips From Dr. Phipps*
- Early detection is key for a fast recovery, so don’t ignore the symptoms.
- If you can see or feel a lump on your Achilles tendon, then you need proper treatment…even if its pain free.
- Don’t waste your time or money on injections, special creams, oils, supplements, or inserts for your sneakers. This is a physical problem and need a physical solution. The last thing you want to do is cover up the pain and ignore the core issue.
About the Soft Tissue Treatment Provider
- Dr. Phipps graduated 1st in his class and has spent the last 13 years focusing on the treatment of soft tissue injuries and pain like Achilles tendonitis.
- He has encountered many labels given to Achilles tendonitis in his years of experience treating patients in Williamsville, NY. Self-diagnosing your condition or relying on ineffective treatments such as stretching, exercises and massage will only delay the appropriate treatment you need and could make your condition worse.
*Please note that every patient is different. These tips are for educational purposes only, and do not substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a medical or healthcare provider, such as Dr. Phipps, for specific diagnosis and treatment advice.