Is It Time To Seek Physicians For Achilles Pain Tendonitis?

If you have been suffering from ankle pain, you may be wondering when you should seek out medical attention. If this pain tends to get worse during or after use and seems centered at the very back of your ankle, you may wonder if it could be Achilles tendonitis pain. Does this mean it is time to seek out physicians for Achilles pain tendonitis? When should you make the decision that rest isn’t enough of a solution and that it is time to seek out a doctor instead? At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we want to help you and your loved ones make these important decisions with the helpful information below.

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation and irritation of this tendon, which is a fairly common overuse injury, especially in middle-aged recreational athletes. Because tendons are tough, fibrous cords, they can become very tight without proper stretching. This tightness can lead not only to Achilles tendonitis, but also to more severe conditions such as a rupture of the tendon.

What Are The Symptoms of This Condition?

Achilles tendonitis is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon. With this condition, you will often notice pain or swelling in their heel, especially during or after physical activity like walking or running. Other common symptoms may include a feeling of tightness and a limited range of motion when flexing the foot.

When Should I Contact A Doctor?

Fortunately, Achilles tendonitis is very treatable, and a combination of non-operative treatment options is usually sufficient. However, if you have experienced persistent pain and swelling as described above, it is important to seek out a doctor before beginning any course of treatment. Physicians for Achilles pain tendonitis can help you ensure that this is the correct diagnosis and also recommend the appropriate course of treatment for your particular situation.

What Are The Treatment Options?

The best treatment for Achilles tendonitis pain, of course, is prevention. Properly stretching for even a couple minutes two or three times a day can help to keep the Achilles tendon from becoming too tight and can help to reduce the risk of inflammation and irritation of the tendon.

If the pain of Achilles tendonitis does develop, though, there are a number of nonoperative treatment options that your doctor may recommend. These include:

Rest after the onset of symptoms  
Immobilization using a cast or boot 
Ice applied several times a day, especially after exercise 
Anti-Inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling 
Physical Therapy to stretch and rehabilitate the tendon

In most cases, some combination of these options is effective in relieving patients who have suffered from Achilles pain tendonitis.

In rare cases, in which the tendonitis has recurred and nonoperative treatments are insufficient, a surgical repair may be called for. However, talking with a doctor early on can help to reduce the risk of requiring surgery.

Where Can I Find Physicians For Achilles Pain Tendonitis?

If you live in the Philadelphia or South Jersey areas, outstanding physicians for Achilles pain tendonitis are in your neighborhood! The team at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is made up of a team of specialists who focus exclusively on the foot and ankle. This specialization has led them to develop a high level of expertise, ensuring that patients like you get the best possible care. So whether you require a nonoperative approach like rest or anti-inflammatory medication or a more in depth surgical approach, you can get the excellent care you need close to home.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Rothman Orthopaedic Institute today by calling 1.800.321.9999.