Your Achilles tendon handles a lot. After all, it’s the largest and strongest tendon in your body! If you aren’t sure where it is, simply check the back of your legs. You’ll find it connecting the back of your heel to your calf. Because this tendon is so important, Achilles tendon injuries can be really serious. Make sure you avoid Achilles tendonitis at all costs—and learn these Achilles tendonitis care tips to keep it from getting worse!
So, What Is Achilles Tendonitis?
You can get tendonitis just about anywhere. “Tendonitis” simply refers to when a tendon becomes inflamed. When that tendon happens to be your Achilles tendon, it becomes Achilles tendonitis.
Because we use our Achilles tendons to do so much—run, jump, walk, and more—it’s not uncommon for it to become irritated and painful to use.
There are two subcategories of Achilles tendonitis: noninsertional and insertional. With the former kind of tendonitis, the fibers in the middle of your Achilles tendon start to swell and break down. This kind of tendonitis is most common in younger, active people.
The other type, insertional Achilles tendonitis, refers to problems where the tendon connects to your heel bone. It can affect just about anyone, but it’s most common in people who are prone to overusing the tendon.
How to Tell if You Have Achilles Tendonitis
While pain is typically the best indicator for when there’s a problem, there are a few other signs that can point to Achilles tendonitis. If you’ve noticed stiffness in your Achilles tendon, or tenderness when it’s touched, that could be a symptom of tendonitis. Also look out for swelling or general weakness in the area.
When you feel pain or discomfort is also important. Most commonly with Achilles tendonitis you’ll experience one or both after you’ve been active, when you go up stairs or uphill, or first thing in the morning.
Achilles Tendonitis Care and Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis, it’s very important that you take special care to get your body back on track. Continuing to irritate the tendon can make things much worse, eventually resulting in a rupture or surgery. But what is preferred for Achilles tendonitis care, anyway?
The first thing you should do is rest. Ideally, you’ll do this as soon as you notice any pain and the problem will take care of itself! But, you especially need to rest if your tendonitis isn’t going away on its own. If you’re still looking for ways to be active, consider trying some lower-impact activities like swimming. Add in icing your tendon, compressing it with athletic wrap, and elevation, and you’re well on your way to getting back to your favorite athletic hobbies.
Make an Appointment with Foot Specialists of Birmingham
If you’re experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort in your feet, it’s time to do something about it! Not only is it probably keeping you from living life to its fullest: Things could potentially get much worse if left untreated. Get in touch with Foot Specialists of Birmingham today to set up an appointment and get your life back on track!
