Achilles Tendon Injury and Heel Pain
The Achilles tendon is the largest in the body, and it connects the calf muscle to the heel, allowing you to move your foot. Severe stretching, tearing, or even a complete break of the Achilles tendon by overuse and stress from physical activity often results in severe pain in the heel, foot, and calf.
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury:
● You hear a popping sound as the tendon breaks or tears.
● A damaged Achilles tendon makes bending your foot uncomfortable, and walking may be difficult or impossible.
● Depending on the location of the tear, intense pain and swelling will be evident in the heel or calf area.
● Even with a less severe injury, you will have difficulty rising on your toes without pain.
Treatments for an Achilles tendon injury:
● Apply the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
● Immobilize the area with a rigid boot while healing occurs.
● In cases where the tendon is badly torn or broken, surgery is required to reattach the tendon. This is followed by a recovery and rehabilitation period.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury to your Achilles tendon, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies. These include the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
