Achilles Tendinitis Specialist

Rhode Island Foot Care

Podiatry, Foot and Ankle Specialists located across Rhode Island & Massachusetts

If you’re an athlete, the movements you make in your sport can increase your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis. At Rhode Island Foot Care, the board-certified podiatrists offer on-site diagnostic and treatment services for Achilles tendonitis pain at the offices in North Providence, Pawtucket, Newport, Riverside, Johnston, Warwick, Cranston, East Providence, Cumberland, Warren, and Central Falls, Rhode Island, and in Taunton and Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The team provides treatments like orthotics, surgery, as well as prevention strategies to reduce your risk for Achilles tendon damage. Schedule an appointment online or call the Rhode Island Foot Care office nearest you today.

Achilles Tendinitis Q & A

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a type of overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, the tough band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the calf muscles in your lower leg.

While anyone can develop Achilles tendonitis, the condition is common in runners and athletes who play various sports. Repetitive physical activity can strain or tear the tendon tissue. You might also be susceptible to tendon tears as you get older, and the tissues begin weakening.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis generally begin as mild discomfort above your heel or in the back of your leg.

With an increase in activity, you might notice your pain becomes more severe. You may also experience stiffness or tenderness in your lower leg, especially when you first wake up in the morning.

If you can no longer treat your pain with over-the-counter medications and rest, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at Rhode Island Foot Care.

How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?

During your physical exam, the Rhode Island Foot Care team evaluates the location of your pain and tests the range of motion you have in your foot and ankle.

They might request imaging tests like an ultrasound or X-ray to confirm Achilles tendonitis and rule out other conditions.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

Initially, you might be able to relieve your leg pain with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. You should also rest after exercising and reduce strenuous activity whenever you’re feeling discomfort. Ice therapy can also help with swelling and pain.

The team at Rhode Island Foot Care can recommend stretching exercises that target your Achilles tendon. They can also suggest orthotic devices like shoe inserts to relieve strain on your tendon.

If you’re not finding relief of pain with conservative therapies or if you develop a more serious tear in your Achilles tendon, you might need surgery to repair it.

Don’t put off an evaluation for worsening pain due to Achilles tendonitis. Call the Rhode Island Foot Care office nearest you or schedule a diagnostic assessment online today.

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