What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, attaching your heel to your calf muscles. It plays an important role in helping you move your feet. The Achilles tendon allows you to move forward and backward, point your feet, and stand on your toes.
What Are Common Injuries?
Your Achilles tendon can develop acute and chronic conditions over the years. Some patients have structural problems that can lead to Achilles tendon injuries, such as short tendons or muscles, or flat feet that stress the tendon.
Acute
In an acute Achilles tendon injury, you can tear or rupture your tendon with sudden twisting or pivoting movements that are common in sports. However, you don’t have to be an athlete to injure your Achilles tendon. Injuries can also occur if you take a bad step or fall.
Chronic
There are many things that can wear down your Achilles tendon over time, leaving it susceptible to tearing and injury. Chronic issues can arise from repetitive stresses that lead to tendinitis, or from wearing high heels.
What are symptoms of an Achilles Tendon injury?
If you sustain an acute injury, you may hear a snapping or popping noise from a rupture, which can be either a partial or complete tear of the tendon. The most common symptoms that signal a problem with your Achilles tendon include:
- Pain in your foot and heel, which can range from mild to severe
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Loss of range of motion
What does treatment look like?
Your treatment plan depends on the severity of your injury. If there’s mild tearing, your doctor may recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and a corrective device if needed. For moderate ruptures, your doctor may recommend wearing a boot or undergoing surgery to repair your tendon. Contact us for more information about treating Achilles tendon injuries!