Podiatry Milwaukee Area Specialists Treat Achilles Tendonitis
Milwaukee Foot Specialists Provide Achilles Tendonitis Treatment and Related Pain Relief
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, so when it’s inflamed it hurts!
Two big muscles in your calf enable your foot to push off to walk or stand up on your toes. The Achilles tendon joins these muscles to your heel. If it is abused with overuse or too much repetitive activity, the Achilles tendon can become painfully swollen. If left untreated, this condition can result in a ruptured Achilles tendon which is excruciatingly painful and can only be surgically repaired. It’s best to see our Milwaukee foot specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
Achilles tendonitis symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Pain in the tendon which gradually intensifies over time
- Pain worsens during physical activity
- Pain in the heel or tendon when walking or running
- Morning stiffness at the site
- Pain lessens with exercise and worsens later in the day
- Tendon is swollen
- Area is warm to the touch
Achilles Tendonitis Causes
Achilles tendonitis affects men and women of all ages. It can be triggered by Rheumatoid arthritis, although the primary cause is generally repetitious activity, especially in sports.
Achilles tendonitis in athletes is often caused by not adequately warming up or stretching prior to training or competing. Running on hard, uneven surfaces can also trigger Achilles tendonitis. Our Milwaukee sports medicine doctors regularly see this type of injury in sports athletes and endurance athletes. If you’re an athlete and you think you may have Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to see our Milwaukee sports medicine doctors.
Milwaukee Foot Specialists Help With Many Treatment Options
If you suspect you have Achilles tendonitis you should make an appointment at one of our Wisconsin orthopedic and podiatric clinics. We will accurately diagnose your condition and give you some DIY treatments you can do right at home, like:
- Rest: Let your leg rest and limit weight bearing. Consider using crutches if necessary.
- Ice: This can reduce pain and swelling. Our Milwaukee foot doctors recommend icing the area for 20-30 minutes, every three to four hours. Do this for 2-3 days or until you experience pain relief.
- Bandaging: Put an elastic bandage around your lower leg and ankle to reduce and help prevent swelling.
- Elevation: Elevate your leg whenever you can. Prop your leg up when you sit or lie down.
- Anti-inflammatories: Ibuprofen is great at relieving minor pain and reducing swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also help with pain and swelling, which include over-the-counter medications like Aleve, Advil and Motrin IB.
- Shoe Inserts: Heel lift shoe inserts often help protect the Achilles tendon.
- Stretch: There are a variety of exercises which can help reduce pain and strengthen the area. Our Milwaukee physical therapists can provide specific exercises catered to your unique needs. These customized exercises are designed based on your level of activity, pain, mobility and strength.
Unfortunately, DIY treatment for Achilles tendonitis may not be enough. If your pain persists or worsens professional treatment is the next step. Our Milwaukee foot doctors offer various non-surgical options to treat this condition, including revolutionary laser treatments for foot pain and ankle pain.
ESWT or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive laser treatment which has been shown to be a highly effective alternative to Achilles tendonitis surgery. ESWT has minimal side effects and less downtime than surgery. This type of non-surgical Achilles tendonitis treatment is ideal for those who are unable to effectively treat Achilles tendon pain with conventional methods such as rest, physical therapy or custom orthotics. ESWT is also ideal for those with severe Achilles tendonitis who can’t afford the recovery time or cost of surgery.