ACHILLES TENDONITIS Specialist IN HOUSTON TX & Nearby Areas
Any type of person can develop Achilles tendonitis and at Vital podiatry, we can help you treat it easily.
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WHAT IS
ACHILLES TENDONITIS AND HOW TO TREAT IN HOUSTON?
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon which is a band that connects the calf muscles located at the lower leg to the back of the heel on the foot. It is one of the largest tendons in the human body and is capable of withstanding a great force of up to 1000 pounds or more. The Achilles tendon helps us in walking as it raises the heel off the ground, initiating movement.
Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon gets inflamed. It is most likely to occur when an athlete such as a runner suddenly increases the intensity or duration of their runs. It is also common in middle-aged people when they increase their activity such as playing a sport like tennis or basketball.
Achilles Tendonitis can actually be resolved using conservative treatments under the Podiatrist’s supervision and guidance, however, if a rupture occurs, surgical treatment may be required. Any type of person can develop Achilles tendonitis and at Vital podiatry, we can help you treat it easily.
Abnormal foot mechanics: If you have pre-existing foot problems such as hammertoe, flat feet discomfort, bunions pain, etc, you are more likely to develop neuromas than people with normal foot structure.
Unsupportive shoes: Your shoes have a major impact on your foot and your ability to develop neuromas. Pointy shoes or heels pose a greater risk since they have a more restrictive toe box and it constricts the toes into abnormal and uncomfortable positions.
Repetitive load injuries: Athletes are more likely to get repetitive load injuries since they play high-intensity sports. Court sports like tennis and squash specifically allow neuromas.
WHAT CAUSES ACHILLES TENDONITIS?
As already discussed, Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury, thus athletes and generally active people are at a higher risk for developing this injury. Runners or weekend warriors have a much greater chance of getting a tear or rupture in their Achilles tendon. Characteristics that increase your chances of getting tendinitis also include:
1. INTENSE ACTIVITY
If you have increased your physical activity such as hill climbing or your running mileage and speed, you are more prone to get Achilles tendonitis. You might also get this condition if you abruptly start your intense physical activity after a long pause or if you begin without appropriate warm-up and stretching.
2. TRAUMA
If there is any kind of trauma on the tendon, it also makes it more likely to get inflamed. Trauma is when there is a sudden or harsh contraction of the lower leg muscles due to a force. An example would include abruptly sprinting. This causes excess load on the muscle and it can tear or become inflamed.
3. INAPPROPRIATE SHOES
Like in every foot condition, your choice of footwear is extremely important. Improper footwear can cause load and stress on the tendon causing it to rupture.
4. FOOT MECHANICS
If your foot structure is already misaligned such as in flat feet, you have a tendency for over pronation of the foot making it susceptible to a tear.
SYMPTOMS OF
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
This condition is often characterized by mild pain when you start exercising which worsens over time. There are also 3 main symptoms you may experience depending on the progression of the condition. These include:
Aching or stiffness: This symptom is present from the start of the injury and it occurs where the Achilles tendon attaches the heel to the calf muscle. When the tendon is not severe, pain usually occurs after waking up and resting but the pain subsides with movement.
Tenderness: This can be felt when the sides of the tendon are squeezed and causes sharp intense pain.
Enlarged area: As the condition worsens and the Achilles tendonitis progresses, the area becomes enlarged and nodules begin to develop in the damaged tissue. At this point, the tendon has started degeneration and surgical intervention may be needed.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF
ACHILLES TENDONITIS?
There are 2 types of tendonitis that can occur depending on what part of the tendon gets inflamed or tears.
1. Insertional : Insertional Achilles tendonitis occurs in the lower half of the tendon. At the part where the tendon meets the heel bone. This is the most common type of overuse injury, thus it is more likely to occur in athletes like marathoners or sprinters.
2. Non-Insertional : The non-insertional tendonitis occurs in the middle part of the tendon therefore it is more likely to happen to younger athletes.
TREATMENT OF ACHILLES TENDONITIS IN HOUSTON TX AT VITAL PODIATRY
At Vital podiatry, we offer our patients many different treatment options for the management and treatment of their condition. Some of the treatment options include:
ORTHOTICS
We use custom orthotics for our patients to ensure that there is less stress on the Achilles tendon and the foot is supported. If the tendonitis case is less severe the doctor may also recommend over-the-counter shoe inserts which could provide similar support to the tendon.
MEDICATION
Our podiatrist may also prescribe some medication to reduce inflammation. For less severe cases over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs could also work but it is highly recommended that you don’t take any anti-inflammatory medication without the physician’s guidance.
IMMOBILISATION TECHNIQUES
In certain cases, we may need to immobilize the patient completely. This is to reduce the stress and weight of the tendon so it can heal properly. Immobilization will probably include a walking boot or some other form of cast.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
For certain cases, physical therapy may also be required. We can recommend great physical therapists that can help you with strengthening exercises, gait, and running education, stretching of the calf and foot muscles, etc. this will ensure that you are rehabilitated properly and the tendon does not tear again.
SURGICAL SOLUTIONS
If the tendon does not heal using the treatments mentioned above, the podiatrist may have to move towards surgical solutions.
PREVENTION
After your Achilles tendonitis has been treated and healed, you should change your lifestyle to make sure it does not show on again. Our team at Vital podiatry works with our patients so they can follow proper rehabilitation techniques so the condition doesn’t worsen into degenerative Achilles tendinosis. Some measures that the patient can take to prevent reoccurrence are:
WEAR APPROPRIATE COMFORTABLE SHOES
We use custom orthotics for our patients to ensure that there is less stress on the Achilles tendon and the foot is supported. If the tendonitis case is less severe the doctor may also recommend over-the-counter shoe inserts which could provide similar support to the tendon.
WARM UP BEFORE EXERCISE
Our podiatrist may also prescribe some medication to reduce inflammation. For less severe cases over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs could also work but it is highly recommended that you don’t take any anti-inflammatory medication without the physician’s guidance.
VARY YOUR EXERCISE REGIME
In certain cases, we may need to immobilize the patient completely. This is to reduce the stress and weight of the tendon so it can heal properly. Immobilization will probably include a walking boot or some other form of cast.
ALTERNATE BETWEEN DIFFERENT TERRAINS
For certain cases, physical therapy may also be required. We can recommend great physical therapists that can help you with strengthening exercises, gait, and running education, stretching of the calf and foot muscles, etc. this will ensure that you are rehabilitated properly and the tendon does not tear again.
HAVE A GRADUAL PROGRESSION IN TRAINING TIME
If the tendon does not heal using the treatments mentioned above, the podiatrist may have to move towards surgical solutions.
TRYING CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
If you have already tried over-the-counter orthotics to treat Achilles tendonitis and found that it is not working, it is best to look into custom orthotics which could provide more support and better comfort.
Fast and Efficient FOOT SPECIALIST IN HOUSTON TX
Vital Podiatry is dedicated to providing you with treatment options that are fast and easy so you can be back on your feet in no time.
Simply call us for a quick consultation over the phone or book an appointment to see a doctor in person. Our staff is always available on the phone, and we also book urgent appointments.
The doctor will conduct all relevant tests to accurately diagnose your foot condition. Since we offer in-clinic X-rays and vascular studies, it makes getting the results quicker and easier.
Depending on your diagnosis, our team will come up with a custom treatment plan tailored to your requirements and lifestyle. We work based on a holistic approach and make a treatment plan accordingly.
Throughout the treatment, our doctors will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that you get the best approach to healing your foot condition.
Don’t let foot pain hold you back any longer. Schedule your appointment with Vital Podiatry today.
We are very proud of the treatment we have given to our patients. Through the years, we have received many positive reviews. We implore you to browse through them to learn more about our care and services.
Vital Podiatry did a wonderful job on diagnosing my issues in timely fashion. I was quickly taken in as a new patient and treated with respect.
Vital Podiatry is very understanding and takes the time to explain all remedies and procedures. The front office staff and assistants are extremely nice and personable.
The culture at every level is outstanding. From the excellent bedside manner during the physical examination to the post-operative care, the nursing care was amazing.
INSURANCE LIST
At Vital Podiatry, we believe that everyone deserves to have healthy and pain-free feet, which is why we accept a wide range of insurance plans to ensure our patients can receive the treatment they need without any financial burden.
See Your Podiatrist Today IN HOUSTON!
If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t wait any longer to get the treatment you need. Book an appointment with Vital Podiatry today and take the first step toward getting the relief you need. At our podiatry practice, we offer a range of effective treatment options to help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. Our experienced team of podiatrists develops a personalized treatment plan for your foot that is suited to your needs and goals.