How to Treat an Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon connects the muscles in the back of your lower leg to your heel bone, and it is used virtually every time you use your foot. Injuries to it often result from taking part in an activity for which you're not properly conditioned, or from a single episode of overactivity, such as hurdling or high jumping.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice
• Ice
• Elastic Bandage Tapes
• Ibuprofen

1. Rest your leg. Minimize your activity and stay off your foot. Otherwise, healing will be impaired.

2. Use ice three or four times a day for 15 minutes at a time. This will decrease the inflammation and numb the pain.

3. Apply heat to the area after the first 24 hours if the swelling has gone down. Use hot soaks, a heating pad or heat ointments.

4. Wrap the injured ankle with an elasticized bandage. The compression will help keep it immobile and facilitate healing.

5. Keep the leg elevated as much as possible. This helps keep swelling at a minimum.

6. Use crutches or some other support for walking for at least 72 hours if you have a moderate to severe sprain. If your foot is casted, you will need support for a longer period.

7. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor pain. Ibuprofen will also help diminish inflammation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are prone to Achilles tendon injuries, you should do appropriate conditioning and warm-ups before participating in sports or exercise.
• Healing times are usually 2 to 10 days for a mild strain, 10 days to 6 weeks for a moderate strain, or 6 to 10 weeks for a severe strain. Repeated injuries may take longer to heal and are more prone to complications.
• See a doctor if symptoms do not begin to lessen within an appropriate time frame (see parameters above), or if the injury appears to be severe. Your foot may need to be casted, or there may be more extensive damage than just a sprain or strain.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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