Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are common causes of foot pain, and patients often attempt to self-diagnose themselves with one or the other using information online. However, these self-diagnoses are frequently inaccurate, leading individuals to try treating themselves at home for one of the conditions when they really have the other (or neither). This can cause conditions—and, therein, the pain—to worsen.
Unlike the average patient, our podiatry experts can easily distinguish between the two ailments. That’s why we suggest making an appointment at our office. Hence, you get the proper diagnosis and most effective treatment without the hassle of wasting money on ineffective remedies.
Even though we recommend seeing a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, there’s no harm in learning more about these conditions before your appointment. Keep reading today’s blog, where we (the Foot Specialists of Birmingham) present detailed facts on Achilles tendonitis vs. plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis vs. Plantar Fasciitis
Similarities
Here’s how the two podiatric foot positions are similar:
- Both involve pain in specific areas of the feet caused by strain or overuse.
- Instead of being the result of an acute injury, both conditions develop and progressively worsen over time with continual irritation to the site of pain.
- The painful symptoms of both conditions (pain) are most apparent after long periods of inactivity or after excess time standing on your feet.
Now, let’s talk about these conditions individually to understand what makes them distinct and what characteristics define them.
Achilles Tendonitis
As the name suggests, Achilles tendonitis is a condition characterized by pain in the Achilles tendon at its attachment site to the heelbone or slightly higher on the back side of the leg.
Risk factors for Achilles tendonitis include arch problems (high arches, overpronation, flat footedness), excessive exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes, excess weight, and the normal progression of aging for adults over 30.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a podiatric condition that causes pain, too. Instead of affecting a tendon on the back of the foot, plantar fasciitis involves pain in the fascia, the collagen-rich connective tissue surrounding and supporting all internal body structures, at the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia, specifically, stretches from the heel to the toes.
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include wearing ill-fitting shoes, working on your feet all day, tightness in the triceps supra (calf muscles), and excess weight.
Treatment Options
Although neither of these conditions are curable, they are both highly treatable. Since the causes and risk factors of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are similar, treatment options are generally the same.
The first line of at-home treatment for Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis is resting your feet, taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ceasing or limiting the above activities that increase your risk.
For more severe cases of either condition that do not let up with rest and taking NSAIDS, podiatrists can advise patients to take different treatment approaches, such as a combination of going to physical therapy, applying ice or heat, and wearing orthotics.
When to See a Podiatrist
As podiatrists, we may be biased, but we strongly recommend seeing someone with our expertise if you are experiencing persistent foot pain.
Good podiatrists like our Foot Specialists in Birmingham, AL, often can make a massive difference in the lives of patients like you, helping them manage their conditions so well that the improvement is not just noticeable but substantial. If you’re suffering from what you believe is plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or another condition impacting your feet, please contact our staff at Foot Specialists of Birmingham today! We’ll gladly help you set up an appointment with our incredible team of podiatry experts and nursing assistants with certifications from the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants.