In most cases, one of the pains we experience in the foot is arising from the injury on the back of our heels in the Achilles tendon - and more often than not, it’s caused by Achilles tendonitis.
For the benefit of enlightenment, refer to this guide as we take you through everything you need to know about Achilles tendonitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment as well as how a foot pain specialist in Singapore can help.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bones. It is used to walk, run, jump and stand on the balls of your feet. Although the Achilles tendon is strong, it’s not that flexible, meaning it can only stretch so far before it gets injured. The pain can be mild to severe, causing a burning sensation, discomfort, tenderness, and stiffness.
Causes
Achilles tendonitis is often the result of the excessive pressure put on the tendon on prolonged levels. It is common among runners who had sudden intense runs and can also occur in middle-aged people who are occasionally engaged in sports and other physical activities.
On the other hand, the injury can also be due to the bad habits we unknowingly do when walking or running or due to wearing unsupportive or poorly fitting footwear.
Treatment
Because Achilles tendonitis can be aggravated by activities that further stress the tendon, it shouldn’t be left untreated otherwise, the problem could only worsen to the point that it would require surgery.
Many treatments are available for the injury, ranging from home remedies, rest, medication, and physical therapy. But, for worse cases, a doctor may require you to receive more invasive treatments including steroid injections and surgery.
When to See A Foot Pain Specialist
As mentioned, it’s crucial to seek out medical attention immediately if you experience pain the back of your leg or anywhere from your heel to the calf. But, on top of these, there are other symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor including:
• Stiffness on the leg or ankle
• Swelling of the Achilles tendon
• Signs of infection such as redness around the ankle or leg
The diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis is primarily done clinically, wherein your specialist will run a thorough physical exam of your foot. It can include inspecting and pressing on the injured area for swelling, tenderness and crepitus or a popping sensation, all of which are symptoms of acute Achilles tendonitis. If a rupture is suspected, an MRI or an ultrasound may be required.
After the diagnosis, your foot pain specialist should be able to provide you with the proper Achilles tendonitis treatment or therapy to help you recover. Self-care strategies may also be required to prevent further damage in the future.
To learn more about Achilles tendonitis, consult your doctor today!
