Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis offered in Montebello and Duarte, CA

If you experience pain above your heel, especially after exercising, you may have a condition called Achilles tendonitis. At West Beverly Podiatry Group in Montebello and Duarte, California, Michael Vega, DPM, Johnny Huang, DPM, and their skilled team diagnose and treat tendonitis to restore your ability to exercise, ease pain, and reduce the risk of further injury. Call the nearest office to schedule an evaluation, or use the online booking feature today.

Achilles Tendonitis Q&A

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a condition that results because of overuse of the Achilles tendon, which is a tissue band that connects your heel bone to your calf muscle. Runners commonly develop it because of increases in the duration or intensity of their runs. If at-home treatments and rest don’t resolve Achilles tendonitis pain, see the West Beverly Podiatry Group team for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis may appear as:

Dull aching pain above your heel
Sharp discomfort
Pain after running or stair climbing
Tenderness
Stiffness

Your pain may be more severe in the morning and progressively worsen when left untreated. Severe cases of Achilles tendonitis can cause painful tendon ruptures that need surgical repair.

What are the risk factors for Achilles tendonitis?

Common Achilles tendonitis risk factors include:

Being a runner
Increasing the intensity or duration of exercise
Playing sports
Repetitive or intense strain
Jumping
Pushing up on your toes
Aging
Weak tendons
Exercising only on the weekends
Fat arches
Obesity
Tight calf muscles
Uncomfortable running shoes
Worn-down shoes
Overtraining
Training in cold weather
Certain medical conditions
Some medications
Being a man

Ways to reduce the risk of developing Achilles tendonitis include not overtraining, gradually increasing physical activity, warming up and stretching properly before training, strengthening your calf muscles, crossing training, and wearing comfortable shoes.

How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?

Your West Beverly Podiatry Group provider diagnoses Achilles tendonitis after discussing your medical history and symptoms, examining your feet and ankles, and assessing your flexibility, range of motion, alignment, and reflexes.

You might need X-rays, an ultrasound, an MRI, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis and rule out additional problems.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

To treat Achilles tendonitis, the West Beverly Podiatry Group may suggest one or more of the following:

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Medications
Physical therapy
BioFreeze®
CBD products
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Custom orthotics
Surgery

If conservative options haven’t worked to ease Achilles tendinitis discomfort or your tendon has torn, the West Beverly Podiatry Group offers surgery to repair tissue damage and reduce the risk of further problems.

Your podiatrist tailors each treatment to your personalized needs to keep you on your feet and remain active. They follow up with you to ensure outstanding results.

Call the nearest West Beverly Podiatry Group office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking feature today for Achilles tendonitis relief.