Common Causes of Achilles Tendon Injuries
- posted: Feb. 29, 2024
You have soreness and pain above your ankle radiating into your calf. At first, you thought it was because of your busy schedule or that you have been on your feet more than usual, but now you suspect an Achilles tendon problem.
Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates located in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, are available for an appointment to discuss a possible Achilles tendon injury.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of this Tendon Injury?
Achilles tendonitis can be a sore and uncomfortable experience. In learning how to lessen this pain, you first need to know where this tendon is and what can trigger this issue.
The Achilles tendon, which is also known as the calcaneal tendon, is in both legs and connects the heel bone to the calf. This tendon is the widest tendon in the body. This tendon provides structure and support to your legs. When this tendon is damaged, you cannot walk, stand, or run.
According to Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates located in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, some signs and symptoms may indicate an inflamed Achilles tendon (which is called Achilles tendonitis), but it takes the expertise of our doctor to determine if this is your problem.
- Swelling down the leg by the heel
- Pain, stiffness, and mild heat
- Sounds like a "pop" when you walk or a clicking feeling with each step, and requires immediate attention
- Bone spurs on your heel, sharp, stabbing pain
- Trouble flexing the affected foot
Diagnosis and Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
Our doctors thoroughly examine your foot, including a range of motion and palpation of the area, to find swelling. They may also order an X-ray and an MRI to see any damage to the affected foot.
When you receive your diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis, treatment will depend on how serious the damage is to your foot or feet. Here are some treatment options that our doctors may pursue.
- Rest and Ice to the affected area
- Custom shoe orthotics
- Ibuprofen, NSAIDS for swelling, pain relief
- Physical therapy, strengthening muscle exercises targeting your calf
- Low-impact leg exercises, water aerobics
If the damage is worse than these options can fix, our doctor may offer surgery to clean up damaged areas and may lengthen tendons to relieve this cause and the pain it creates.
Call for Your Appointment Today!
Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews are located in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates and are awaiting your scheduled appointment to discuss your options regarding Achilles tendon injuries. Call us at the following locations to schedule your appointment. We can help you!
- Boise, 208-327-0627
- Nampa/Caldwell, 208-463-1660
- Meridian at 208-888-9876
- posted: Feb. 29, 2024
You have soreness and pain above your ankle radiating into your calf. At first, you thought it was because of your busy schedule or that you have been on your feet more than usual, but now you suspect an Achilles tendon problem.
Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates located in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, are available for an appointment to discuss a possible Achilles tendon injury.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of this Tendon Injury?
Achilles tendonitis can be a sore and uncomfortable experience. In learning how to lessen this pain, you first need to know where this tendon is and what can trigger this issue.
The Achilles tendon, which is also known as the calcaneal tendon, is in both legs and connects the heel bone to the calf. This tendon is the widest tendon in the body. This tendon provides structure and support to your legs. When this tendon is damaged, you cannot walk, stand, or run.
According to Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates located in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, some signs and symptoms may indicate an inflamed Achilles tendon (which is called Achilles tendonitis), but it takes the expertise of our doctor to determine if this is your problem.
- Swelling down the leg by the heel
- Pain, stiffness, and mild heat
- Sounds like a "pop" when you walk or a clicking feeling with each step, and requires immediate attention
- Bone spurs on your heel, sharp, stabbing pain
- Trouble flexing the affected foot
Diagnosis and Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
Our doctors thoroughly examine your foot, including a range of motion and palpation of the area, to find swelling. They may also order an X-ray and an MRI to see any damage to the affected foot.
When you receive your diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis, treatment will depend on how serious the damage is to your foot or feet. Here are some treatment options that our doctors may pursue.
- Rest and Ice to the affected area
- Custom shoe orthotics
- Ibuprofen, NSAIDS for swelling, pain relief
- Physical therapy, strengthening muscle exercises targeting your calf
- Low-impact leg exercises, water aerobics
If the damage is worse than these options can fix, our doctor may offer surgery to clean up damaged areas and may lengthen tendons to relieve this cause and the pain it creates.
Call for Your Appointment Today!
Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews are located in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates and are awaiting your scheduled appointment to discuss your options regarding Achilles tendon injuries. Call us at the following locations to schedule your appointment. We can help you!
- Boise, 208-327-0627
- Nampa/Caldwell, 208-463-1660
- Meridian at 208-888-9876