You don’t have to be an athlete or fitness enthusiast to know the frustration of recurrent Achilles tendon pain; it can afflict anyone. If this nagging heel condition has relegated you to the sidelines of life, you need these pro tips for easing the pain and healing the tendon.
Our board-certified podiatric surgeon, Dr. Maurice W. Aiken, at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists, offers several innovative treatments that target Achilles tendon pain and get you back in action.
However, there’s a lot you can do to ease the pain and resolve the problem on your own. Here’s a look at the different types of Achilles tendon pain, why it tends to recur, and how to get better faster.
Your Achilles tendon is the long band that runs from your heel up the back of your ankle. The name comes from Greek mythology and refers to the only vulnerable spot on the warrior Achilles' body. Today, it's synonymous with weakness, ironic because your Achilles tendon is your body's strongest, thickest tendon.
However, when injured, it's your nemesis, preventing you from jumping, climbing stairs, and walking. Here are the most common Achilles tendon conditions.
Paratenonitis is inflammation of the tissue surrounding your Achilles tendon, usually due to overuse. It causes tenderness and swelling along the tendon, and you might notice pain during activities like running or jumping and stiffness in the morning.
Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the lower part of your Achilles tendon, which attaches to your heel bone. It's common among runners and causes heel pain and swelling. You'll likely feel tenderness when pressing on the area where the tendon meets the heel.
Retrocalcaneal bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac nestled between your Achilles tendon and heel bone, becomes inflamed. It often goes hand in hand with insertional Achilles tendonitis. Pain and swelling in the back of the heel are typical symptoms, especially when wearing tight shoes.
Achilles tendinosis is a degenerative condition caused by chronic overuse. Unlike tendonitis, tendinosis results from the breakdown of tendon fibers rather than inflammation. It leads to pain, stiffness, and thickening of the tendon, making it challenging to maintain your usual workout routine.
Your Achilles tendon may be thick and strong, but once injured, it has a hard time recovering and tends to become recurrent or chronic; here’s why:
Repeated stress on the Achilles tendon causes micro tears that may never fully heal, leading to chronic pain. You're particularly susceptible if you’re an athlete in a high-impact sport or your job or hobbies involve repetitive activities.
Wearing improper footwear exacerbates Achilles tendon pain. Shoes that lack adequate support or cushioning increase strain on your tendon, leading to recurrent discomfort.
Biomechanical problems, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to Achilles tendon pain by altering how your foot moves, placing extra stress on the tendon, and increasing the likelihood of injury.
Managing Achilles tendon pain involves a combination of at-home measures and professional treatments.
Use the RICE method.
The RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — helps most soft-tissue injuries, and Achilles tendon pain typically responds well.
Increase the intensity and duration of your workouts gradually to avoid overloading your tendon. Switch to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to stay fit without putting excessive strain on your Achilles tendon.
Erchonia® cold laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Dr. Aiken often recommends this therapy for its ability to stimulate cellular repair and reduce swelling.
Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that support and correct biomechanical issues. By redistributing pressure on your feet, orthotics reduce strain on your Achilles tendon.
A skilled physical therapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles around your tendon, improve flexibility, and enhance overall foot mechanics.
Dr. Aiken can help your Achilles tendon heel heal completely so you can break the cycle of recurrent pain. Call Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists in Dunedin, Florida, or request an appointment online to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Aiken.
