Treatment Options for Achilles Tendonitis

Heel pain can be due to a lot of foot conditions. One of the most common cause of foot pain is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is due to inflammation of the Achilles tendon which is found behind the ankle.

Achilles tendonitis is more frequent among the middle-aged group, particularly those active in sports activities. Just like other tissues in our body, the tendons become weaker and less flexible as we age.

There are several approaches in treating Achilles tendonitis. It is best to treat the injury as soon as possible to prevent more severe outcomes.

Resting the foot is the primary management to control heel pain and inflammation. This will reduce the swelling and promote healing.

Applying ice packs to the Achilles tendon area relieves acute heel pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin but instead wrap the it with a clean towel. Additionally, ice packs should not be applied on the skin longer than 30 minutes as it can also stop blood flow if left for too long.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help control inflammation and reduce foot pain. However, NSAIDS can cause stomach upsets so it is best to take the medication with a full glass of water.

Physical therapy and stretching exercises are very helpful if done under the supervision and instruction of a podiatrist or qualified physical therapist. Immobilization of the ankle is helpful in more severe injuries to quickly relieve inflammation. Leg casts or special orthotics can help in healing the tendon more rapidly.

Corticosteroid injections are rarely given as they have not been shown to significantly improve the condition and can have possible complications.

Surgical intervention is only considered if nonsurgical approaches have not provided relief. The procedure can involve tendon lengthening, debridement of the tendon, or moving the tendon attachment.

ESWT or Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy is a modern approach to managing heel pain. This is an in office procedure that is a safe way to treat more complex heel pain conditions. Instant results are seen with cost-effective and painless management of chronic heel pain.