The Achilles tendon in the back of your foot is the tendon that assists with a variety of activities. When you run, stand, jump or walk, this tendon is making all of that possible.
When this tendon becomes sore or swollen from an injury or overuse, it's called Achilles Tendinitis. There are two kinds of Achilles Tendinitis. One kind of tendinitis impacts the bottom portion of the tendon, and this kind of pain and swelling can occur in people who have had an injury or overused the tendon. It's called Insertional Achilles Tendinitis.
The second type is called Noninsertional Achilles Tendinitis, and it impacts the middle of the tendon. This tends to happen with young, active athletes.
What are the Causes of Achilles Tendinitis?
An injury to the Achilles tendon comes from a few …show more content…
A doctor will have the person stand on the balls of the feet while watching range of motion. The doctor will also press on the tendon to narrow in on where the pain is most severe. Scans of the foot might be taken if there's a chronic problem with this type of injury. It'll help to see the extent of the damage.
How is Achilles Tendinitis Treated?
The first few times it happens, you can treat Achilles Tendinitis in the home. The RICE method is effective, which is rest, ice, compression and elevation. If the pain and swelling return often and impair your ability to walk, your doctor might recommend surgery.
Surgery might be required if the tendon isn't healing, it's left untreated or a rupture is suspected. A ruptured tendon requires surgical repair. An orthopedic surgeon would be recommended.
The surgeon has two options for repair. The first is called open repair where the surgeon opens the leg above the heel and sews the sides of the tendons together. The other option is to cut the leg open where the rupture happened and sew the tendon and the skin together.
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