How to Heal an Achilles Tendon Injury

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By Sueanne Dolentz
eHow Contributing Writer

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The Achilles tendon stretches from the bones of the heel to the calf muscle. Athletes have a tendency to injure this tendon. It's a particularly painful injury, but steps can be taken to ensure that it heals well and without further ramifications.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Elastic bandage
Cold compress
Heel lift

Step 1

Rest the leg, and avoid putting any weight on it. Use crutches if you have to. Elevate it whenever possible. The best way to see a swift recovery is to rest the injured leg as much as possible.
Step 2

Ice it regularly. An Achilles tendon injury can result in a lot of pain and swelling. The best way to remedy this is to ice the injury for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Continue this treatment until the pain lessens.
Step 3

To prevent further swelling and keep the leg immobile, wrap an elastic bandage around the lower leg and ankle to compress the injury.
Step 4

Use a heel lift. Putting one in your shoes will protect your Achilles tendon from further injury and swelling.
Step 5

Exercise the injured tendon. Doing stretching and strengthening exercises will help the healing. However, do this only if your doctor recommends it, and don't push it. Take it easy when starting the exercises.

Tips & Warnings

In severe cases of an Achilles tendon injury, a cast may be necessary that is typically worn for 6 to 10 weeks. Surgery to repair the tendon may also be necessary. Tendon injuries will heal at different rates. Don't push yourself too fast or too soon. Rushing the healing process almost guarantees another injury.
If home remedies don't reduce the pain and you don't see significant improvement, visit your doctor right away. You may have a more serious injury than you initially thought.

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