How to Treat Achilles Tendonitis

When an athlete gets Achilles tendonitis, there is often a tendency to "work through the pain." That's a prescription for disaster. Achilles tendonitis must be recognized and treated early on, before it becomes chronic and debilitating, or the tendon ruptures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pay attention to the symptoms and physical findings associated with Achilles tendonitis. The earlier this condition is addressed, the easier it is to treat.

2. Rest the tendon. Reduce the number of miles run per week, calf exercises and other demanding physical activities and sports. Basically, if it hurts, stop making it hurt.

3. Ice the tendon after activity. Begin a program of gentle, slow Achilles stretching. Use anti-inflammatories before exercise or as needed for pain.

4. Place a 1/4 inch lift in the heel of the shoe of the affected foot. A lift of this height should not shorten the Achilles, particularly if immediately remove the lift after the problem resolves.

5. See your physician if treatments don't alleviate the problem, or it persists beyond 3 or 4 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• While there has been some controversy about the use of anti-inflammatories for Achilles tendonitis, there have been no definitive studies that associate such use and an increased incidence of Achilles rupture. This is particularly true for intermittent, judicious use.

Resources

• Article about Achilles tendonitis.
• Another article on Achilles tendonitis.
• Description of Achilles stretches.

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[1984animalfarm]

on 9/9/2009 This article has the best advice I have read. Stretching is NOT a good idea since overstretching could be the cause.. hence the heel insert advised in the article. Actually an expensive pair of running shoes with the heels higher than the toes can accomplish the same thing.

[gfoyle]

on 8/31/2009 I had Achilles tendon surgery three years ago and I still have some swelling and yellowish purple discoloration around my ankle. My foot and sometimes my lower leg tingles occasionally and I’ve only recovered about 60% of my calf strength. My insurance only covered four follow-ups with my surgeon and the last one was a year and a half ago. He said everything looked fine. I’ve used up all my physical therapy coverage and have continued it at home. Is it normal for me to still have the occasional swelling and constant discoloration? I mean, my left leg in general looks a tad darker in hue than my uninjured right. Any help would be appreciated.

[peterpan56]

on 10/2/2008 Sound basic advice. I would advise putting the quarter inch lift in both shoes. Having a lift in only one will alter the way you walk. This could have a negative effect on several areas of your body.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/tendonitis/achilles-tendonitis.htm