Most people don't think about their Achilles tendon until there's a problem. It's an extremely tough tendon that can cause severe pain and other symptoms with overuse or an injury.
If you've suffered an Achilles tendon injury, knowing the signs that warrant treatment is essential. At the Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, Dr. Marque A. Allen offers various foot and ankle treatments for issues like Achilles tendonitis.
Dr. Allen is an experienced foot and ankle surgeon offering conservative and surgical treatments for foot and ankle pain.
The leg contains many muscles, bones, and tendons, including the Achilles. It's the strongest tendon in the body. It is responsible for walking, jumping, and other activities that involve pushing off the toes.
Although the Achilles tendon is tough, it can sustain injuries from acute trauma or overuse. The two prevalent injuries are Achilles tendonitis and rupture.
Achilles tendonitis happens when overuse causes inflammation in and around the tendon. Heel pain and difficulty walking are two signs of Achilles tendonitis. It can also lead to Achilles tendinosis or degeneration of the tendon.
An Achilles tendon rupture is the other type of injury that occurs when the tendon either wholly or partially tears. It's a severe injury that requires immediate care and often surgery to repair the damage.
Achilles tendon injuries range in severity, and the symptoms sometimes mimic other conditions. Knowing the early signs of a problem is essential to determine when you require treatment.
Some of the early symptoms of an injury include:
An Achilles tendon injury can cause sudden pain or pain that develops over time. A ruptured tendon causes severe pain immediately. Pain from tendonitis tends to develop gradually and is often worse after physical activity or exercise.
Morning stiffness is a hallmark sign of Achilles tendonitis. An Achilles rupture doesn't cause as much stiffness because the tendon is completely torn.
Swelling is the body's normal response to an injury as it begins to heal damaged tissues. After an Achilles tendon rupture, seeing immediate swelling is entirely normal. Achilles tendonitis also leads to swelling around the inflamed tendon.
After an Achilles tendon rupture, it's normal to have significant difficulty walking. Pointing the foot down or standing on your toes is nearly impossible. Morning stiffness from Achilles tendonitis also leads to difficulty walking.
Achilles tendonitis doesn't typically cause bruising, but an Achilles tendon rupture does, and there is usually immediate bruising around the injury site.
The treatment you require depends on the severity of the injury and how you respond to other therapies. A mild Achilles tendonitis may need a few conservative measures, while a complete rupture often requires surgery.
We treat Achilles tendonitis with conservative care involving rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Physical therapy is crucial to the healing process, strengthening the tendon and improving function and range of motion.
Achilles tendon ruptures often require surgery, especially in active individuals. During the procedure, Dr. Allen repairs the Achilles tendon at the tear. The recovery process is long, but the goal is to restore function and improve pain.
Call one of our offices in Alamo Heights or San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule an appointment for an Achilles tendon injury. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Allen on our website.
