Achilles Tendinitis Specialist
Achilles Tendinitis Specialist in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ
Pain and swelling above your heel could point to Achilles tendonitis. A ruptured Achilles tendon can eventually turn into an incapacitating problem if you don’t get treatment promptly, but luckily, there are excellent solutions available at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers. For fast pain relief in Phoenix, Arizona, that gets you moving again without worry, call one of our offices nearest to you or make your Achilles tendonitis treatment appointment online now.
What is Achilles Tendonitis in Phoenix?
The Achilles tendon includes a band of tissues that connect your calf muscles to your heel bone. An Achilles tendon injury is inflammation of your tissue. It typically results from repetitive stress on the tendon, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. You can also get it from overuse, especially in activities like running or jumping.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of a rupture of the Achilles tendon in Phoenix:
- A sudden, sharp pain at the back of your ankle
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Difficulty walking
- Swelling around the ankle
- Inability to stand on your toes
Achilles Tendon Rupture Test
To find out the causes of your pain, we do an examination and use imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. One common test is the Thompson test, where we squeeze the calf muscles to see if the foot moves. If it doesn’t, it could mean a tear or a rupture.
Achilles Tendon Pinch Test
It involves gently squeezing or pinching the tendon to assess for pain or tenderness. If the tendon is painful or tender when pinched, it can indicate inflammation damage or a partial tear.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatments
At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we offer comprehensive Achilles tendonitis treatments in Phoenix, including:
Rest and Ice
- First, you need to rest. Avoid putting stress on the tendon, such as activities like running or jumping.
- We apply ice to the affected to reduce pain and swelling. We use ice packs wrapped in cloth and apply it to your tendon for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
Physical Therapy
Our therapists will design personalized Achilles tendonitis treatment exercises to strengthen your calf muscles, enhance your flexibility, and support the healing process. Physical therapies may include:
- Gentle stretches, such as calf and towel stretches, heel raises, and ankle circles to increase the flexibility of the tendon and surrounding muscles.
- Targeted strengthening exercises to focus on the calf muscles and the tendon and build strength in the supporting areas.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce your pain and inflammation. In some cases, we might prescribe stronger medications if needed. Based on your case, we might use topical treatments. We can apply directly to the affected area for targeted relief.
Orthotics
Orthotics are among the Achilles tendonitis treatments in Phoenix. They are designed shoe inserts that provide additional support to help distribute pressure more evenly across your foot. In some cases, we might suggest adding a heel lift to your orthotics to reduce strain on the tendon.
Advanced Therapies
- For more severe cases, we might use Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections. They involve injecting a concentrated solution of your platelets into the affected area to promote and accelerate healing.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment. It uses shock waves to stimulate healing in your tendon. We use ESWT to increase blood flow to the area, promote tissue repair, and reduce your pain.
- We may use ultrasound therapy to provide deep heat treatment to your tendon. This treatment improves blood circulation, reduces pain, and accelerates healing.
Achilles Tendon Surgery
In cases your tendon is not healing, we may recommend surgery. Our skilled surgeons use high-tech medical devices to perform procedures to repair or remove damaged tissue from your tendon. Post-surgery, we design a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to ensure your full recovery and restore your movement.
You can learn about our Plantar Fasciitis treatment options on our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment page.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Recovery Time
The recovery time of Achilles Tendonitis treatments in Phoenix varies depending on the treatment approach.
- Non-surgical treatments: They involve wearing a cast or walking boot. They take 3-6 months for initial healing, plus several more months of physical therapy to restore full strength and mobility.
- Surgical treatments: Often require a more extended rehabilitation period, usually 6-12 months. This includes several weeks in a cast or boot, followed by a structured physical therapy program.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Near Me in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix
At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we provide top-notch Achilles tendonitis treatments right here in Phoenix and at our other convenient locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you find relief and get back to your active lifestyle. So, if you have Achilles tendon pain when walking, call us at (480) 812-3668 or contact us and schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery.
FAQs
Yes, with proper treatment and rest, it can heal over time.
Do rest and ice your tendon, wear supportive shoes, and follow your physical therapy exercises. Don’t ignore the pain or push through it, as this can worsen the condition.
Gentle stretching can help, but avoid aggressive stretches that cause pain. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Yes, mild cases can heal on their own with rest, ice, and stretching. Severe cases may need extra treatment from a doctor.
Yes, it can be treated. With rest, therapy, or surgery, most people recover fully and get back to their activities.
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