Achilles Tendonitis Specialist
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Union Podiatry
John R. Senatore, DPM
Podiatry located in Baltimore, MD & Towson, MD
Achilles tendinitis causes nagging pain in the back of your lower leg, near the heel. At Union Podiatry, John Senatore, DPM, diagnoses and provides innovative treatment to patients with Achilles tendinitis. If you’re suffering pain in the Achilles tendon, call the Baltimore or Towson, Maryland, office to set up an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.
Achilles Tendonitis Q & A
What is Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis results from overuse of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s the largest and strongest tendon in your body and is essential to your ability to walk, jump, and run.
Athletes are at risk of developing Achilles tendinitis — especially weekend warriors or runners who quickly increase their mileage or intensity.
Achilles tendinitis can be recurrent without good management and, when untreated, can lead to a more serious rupture. Because the Achilles tendon becomes weaker as you age, people in middle age are more susceptible to Achilles injury.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?
The symptoms of Achilles tendinitis usually develop gradually. You may notice them first as a mild ache in the heel or back of the leg after working out, playing sports, or running. You may experience more severe pain after sprinting or running long distances.
Achilles tendinitis pain may be especially noticeable first thing in the morning when you step out of bed and ease up during the day.
What are the treatments for Achilles tendinitis?
If you catch Achilles tendinitis in its early stages, rest, movement modification, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication provide adequate relief and give the tendon a chance to heal. You may also benefit from alternating heat and ice therapy to minimize pain.
Dr. Senatore can provide you with specific physical therapy exercises to help support your healing and may recommend custom-made orthotics to correct structural issues contributing to your injury. He can help you incorporate proper warmups and exercise progression to avoid overstressing the tendon and aggravating further injury.
When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, Dr. Senatore may recommend other treatments, including Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Topaz® coblation radio wave treatments, and AmnioFix® growth factor injections.
If you do have Achilles tendinitis that has led to a rupture of the tendon, you’ll need surgery to repair it.
If you suspect you have Achilles tendinitis, contact Union Podiatry today to set up an appointment. Call one of the convenient locations or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.
