How to care for Achilles tendonitis

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How to care for Achilles tendonitis

Friday, March 16th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

From a news release:

You don’t have to be an accomplished athlete to suffer Achilles tendon injuries. They can occur from performing minor household tasks, such as climbing a ladder. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) said today that Achilles tendon weakness is common in adults and prompt treatment when symptoms occur can prevent more serious injury.

“The Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the body, but is subjected to considerable wear and tear,” said Gerald Travers, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon in Colorado Springs. “When the tendon becomes inflamed from overuse or too much sudden stress, tendonitis can weaken it over time and cause microscopic tears,” said Travers. “Going without treatment increases risk for further deterioration and possible rupture.”

According to the ACFAS consumer website, FootPhysicians.com, pain, stiffness and tenderness in the area are the main symptoms of Achilles tendonitis. Pain occurs in the morning, improves with motion, but gets worse with increasing stress and activity.

“In addition to athletes, Achilles tendonitis is common for anyone whose work routine puts constant stress on the feet and ankles,” said Travers. “Achilles tendon injuries happen most often to less conditioned, ‘weekend warrior’ athletes who overdo it. But I’ve also had patients who have ruptured the tendon simply by climbing a ladder quickly.”

When pain and other symptoms indicate possible Achilles tendonitis, Travers said a foot and ankle surgeon will make a thorough diagnosis to determine the extent of the trauma and evaluate the flexibility and range of motion in the tendon. Treatment options depend on the extent of the injury, and include:

– Casting to immobilize the Achilles tendon and promote healing
– Ice to reduce swelling
– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and
inflammation
– Physical therapy to strengthen the tendon
– Surgery, if other approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal
condition.

[tags]tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, pain, inflammation, ice, physical therapy[/tags]