Are you getting pain in the back of your heel? Is it painful getting out of bed in the morning? Does it get better as you start to walk or run? These are common symptoms of Achilles tendon pain we see at the Diamond Valley Foot and Ankle Clinic. We’ll provide you with some information about this condition and how we can help get you back to what you love doing pain-free!
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon originates from the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf muscles) and inserts into the calcaneus (heel bone). It acts as an elastic band to propel us forward or upward when walking, running and/or jumping. Also, the Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body!
What are the symptoms?
Your symptoms may be the following:
- Sharp pain at the back of the heel
- Ache/throb during and/or end of the day
- Pain reduces with continued weight-bearing activity
- Pain worsens with continued weight-bearing activity when chronic
- Wearing flat shoes or being bare-footed when walking may aggravate pain
What causes Achilles tendon pain?
- Increased BMI
- Recently started running or jumping activity
- Increased volume, intensity and/or frequency of activity too quickly
- Training surfaces (eg: running on a treadmill)
- Inappropriate footwear
- Foot posture
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle weakness
How can we help?
There are a variety of treatment options that we can offer to help you. These include:
- Activity modification (doing more of things that don’t flare up the pain and less of the things that do)
- Ice and/or anti-inflammatory medication to settle down the pain
- Footwear assessment and advice
- Reducing muscle tightness and improving muscle strength
- Shockwave therapy to reduce pain around the affected area
- Orthotics to reduce load on the Achilles tendon and improve foot function
- Refer for surgical opinion if deemed necessary
Sound familiar? Get on the front foot (pun intended) and don’t let the pain stop you doing what you love! For individual advice regarding your feet, feel free to contact us or book an appointment online
