Achilles tendonitis is a common injury among athletes characterized by inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel. It is both painful and limiting and can sometimes lead to a complete tendon rupture requiring surgery. Prevention is crucial, but when inflammation occurs, here are five therapeutic steps to consider for moderate tendonitis.
1. Identify the tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis symptoms may be confused with other injuries like plantar fasciitis since both cause heel discomfort but require different treatments. Recognize tendonitis symptoms such as:
- Persistent heel pain after exercise and sometimes at rest
- Swelling of the tendon
- Tendon stiffness
- Difficulty with movement
- Appearance of a bump or thickening on the tendon
Consulting a podiatrist is the best option to confirm Achilles tendonitis beyond doubt.
2. Get proper rest
After diagnosis, resting the foot is essential. This can mean:
- Temporarily stopping tendon-involving activities like jogging
- Reducing high-impact actions such as jumping
- Minimizing time spent standing
- Engaging in low-intensity exercises like swimming or cycling
Using orthopaedic heels can also help relieve tension on the tendon during rest.
3. Use cold to treat inflammation
Ice is effective for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief. Applying cold compresses several times daily reduces swelling from trauma. Frozen vegetable bags or pharmacy compresses are suitable. However, if pain and swelling persist, the tendonitis may be severe; contact your podiatry clinic for further evaluation.
4. Encourage massages of the painful area
Achilles tendonitis often causes stiffness along with pain. Regular tendon massage helps retain mobility. When pain lessens, you can:
- Massage the tendon perpendicularly for 5 to 10 minutes
- Massage the calf muscles deeply
- Repeat massages multiple times daily
5. Consult a foot care professional
If self-care measures don’t alleviate pain, consulting a podiatrist is the next step. They provide diagnosis and treatments using advanced techniques such as:
- Custom-made foot orthotics
- Shockwave therapy
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs
- Laser therapy
- Therapeutic boots with extension straps
Surgery is considered only when all other treatments fail.
PiedRéseau: comprehensive podiatric expertise
PiedRéseau offers personalized care for diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis using the latest, minimally invasive tools. If you suspect you have this condition, contact a PiedRéseau clinic today for expert podiatric assistance.