Achilles Tendon

How Your Achilles Tendon Helps You

The Achilles tendon connects the muscles in your calf to your heel. It’s the strongest tendon in your body and helps you push off your heel when you walk or run.

How You Can Injure Your Achilles Tendon

You can injure your Achilles tendon by overuse from a sport or activity. You can also stretch or tear your Achilles tendon from an accident or injury. You are also more susceptible to an Achilles tendon injury as you age. Falls, inactivity, and medical issues can all contribute to an Achilles tendon injury.

Signs and Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury

When you have an Achilles tendon problem, you may notice inflammation, swelling, and a stabbing or aching pain behind or around your heel. You may also have difficulty walking or moving your foot. Your ankle may also feel unstable when you stand and try to put weight on it.

How Your Podiatrist Can Help with an Achilles Tendon Problem

Your podiatrist is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of Achilles tendon issues and may recommend prescription anti-inflammatory medication, laser therapy to increase healing, cortisone injections into the tendon to reduce inflammation, physical therapy and stretching to increase flexibility and strength, and rest.

Prevention of Achilles Tendon Problems

You can do a lot to help prevent Achilles tendon problems. Remember to start slowly if you are new to a sport or activity. Stretching and strengthening are important to prevent stiffness in the tendon, so doing heel lift exercises daily can help. Remember to always wear the right shoes for the activity you are doing. Be careful to always walk on dry, even ground surfaces.

Want To Know More About Achilles Tendon Injuries and Achilles Tendon Treatment?

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of an Achilles tendon injury, call Dr. Matthew Ward and Dr. Christian Haight at Marietta Podiatry Group in Marietta, GA. You can reach them in the office by calling (770) 422-9856, so call today.