Achilles tendonitis occurs when your achilles tendon becomes inflamed and causes pain. This can occur suddenly after an injury, or come on slowly from chronic use. There are a number of risk factors for developing achilles tendonitis, and at Ankle and Foot Centers, PC in Marietta, GA, Dr. Mathew John will meet with you to assess what is going on to cause your pain. Mild cases of achilles tendonitis can be managed with physical therapy or avoiding certain activities, while worse cases may require surgery to alleviate the problem.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tenonitis is inflammation of your achilles tendon that can occur from running, walking, or prolonged standing. Poor foot support can cause achilles tendonitis, while being overweight also plays a role in developing this painful condition. If you have suddenly started exercising more, or spent all day on your feet, this can lead to achilles tendonitis. When you use poor exercise techniques, this can take a toll on your feet and ankles, causing pain. Once you identify the cause of your pain, a treatment plan will be created to decrease your symptoms.
Managing Achilles Tendonitis at Home
Rest and ice are usually beneficial for easing the pain caused by achilles tendonitis. If you are overweight, trying to lose weight can help reduce the strain on your feet and ankles. Wearing supportive shoes will make a big difference in how your feet feel, and will help to minimize the pain you experience when walking. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, a podiatrist can help diagnose the problem in order to get the treatment you need to recover.
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Treatment for achilles tendonitis begins with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and gentle stretching. As you heal, physical therapy may be prescribed to help stretch and strengthen your body. If the pain does not go away, your podiatrist can talk to you about surgical options to deal with your achilles tendonitis. While surgery usually isn't needed, this can alleviate pain when all other treatment has failed. Talk to your doctor when you are not able to find relief for your heel pain.
Call for a Foot Doctor Evaluation in Marietta, GA, Now
If you are experiencing heel pain, trouble walking, or stiffness in your heels when you wake up in the morning, it's time to see a foot doctor that can help. Call Ankle and Foot Centers, PC in Marietta, GA, at 770-977-3668, and set up an evaluation to meet with Dr. John today. You can heal from the pain you are in with the right treatment plan in place.