Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendinitis Specialist

in Los Angeles

Swelling, pain, inflammation, and stiffness along the Achilles tendon are symptoms of Achilles tendinitis. Repetitive or intense strain causes this condition in the tissue that joins your calf muscles to your heel bone.

Book an Appointment

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a large rope-like muscle that connects your calf muscles to your heel. The Achilles tendon is used when walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendonitis can be caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon and other factors such as arthritis, injury, or infection. It can occur as a result of overuse, such as during sports that put stress on your feet and legs, or it can develop gradually with age. Achilles tendonitis is more common in people who are over 30 years old.

Achilles tendonitis most commonly affects people who play sports that involve running or jumping. Activities such as tennis, basketball, and long-distance running put stress on the Achilles tendon. If you have Achilles tendonitis, you may experience pain along the back of your leg, above your heel. The pain may be mild at first, but it can become more severe with continued activity. You may also experience stiffness, swelling, or tenderness in the Achilles tendon area.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to rest and avoid activities that put stress on your Achilles tendon. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Albert Elhiani at Eazy Foot & Ankle if you have any questions or concerns. Dr. Elhiani can help you diagnose and treat your Achilles tendonitis.

What are the symptoms Achilles Tendonitis?

The most common symptom of Achilles tendonitis is a pain in the back of your leg, just above your heel. The pain might be mild at first, but it can get worse with activity. You might have:

• Pain that gets worse when you walk up a hill or climb stairs
• Pain that starts after you increase the intensity or duration of your workout
• Pain that eases after you warm up, but returns after you finish your workout
• Stiffness and swelling in the back of your leg
• Tenderness when you press on the back of your leg just above your heel
• Creaking or crackling sound when you move your ankle or press on the back of your leg

What causes Achilles Tendonitis?

Most cases of Achilles tendonitis are caused by overuse. This can happen if you suddenly increase the intensity or duration of your workouts without giving your Achilles tendon time to adjust. Other causes include:

• Arthritis – A degenerative joint disease can weaken the tendons and make them more susceptible to injury
• Tight calf muscles – This can put extra strain on the Achilles tendon
• Flat feet – This can also put extra strain on the Achilles tendon

How is Achilles Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Dr. Elhiani will ask about your symptoms and your activity level. He will do an exam, checking for pain and tenderness along your Achilles tendon. An X-ray or MRI might be ordered if Dr. Elhiani suspects a problem with your bones or tendons.

How is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?

Most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be treated at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy might also help, but if your symptoms don’t improve, you might need surgery.

Achilles tendonitis treatment includes:

• Rest – You might need to take a break from your regular activities for a few days or weeks
• Ice – Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
• Over-the-counter pain relievers – These can help reduce pain and swelling
• Physical therapy – A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen your Achilles tendon.
• Orthotic inserts – Wearing shoes with orthotic inserts can help take some of the strain off your Achilles tendon
• Surgery – If other treatments don’t work, you might need surgery to repair or remove the damaged tendon.

Achilles tendonitis can be a painful condition. But with treatment, you can ease your pain and get back to your normal activities. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Elhiani today and start on the road to recovery.