5 Facts about Achilles Tendonitis

13 Jul 5 Facts about Achilles Tendonitis

Five Facts about Achilles Tendonitis

At Shuman Podiatry, we see many cases of Achilles tendonitis in our Loudoun County sports medicine practice. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis, check out these five facts about the condition.

1. It Can Happen to Anyone

Although athletes are more likely to contract it, Achilles tendonitis has caused problems for people in all lines of work.

Famous people who have suffered from it include:

• Bradd Pitt
• George Clooney
• Tiger Woods
• David Beckham
• Missy Elliott

Sadly, Achilles tendonitis has shortened the professional careers of several football, basketball and soccer players. But it doesn’t have to cut your active lifestyle short. At Shuman Podiatry’s sports medicine practice in Loudoun County, you’ll find the most up-to-date treatment protocols and rehabilitative plans. We will have you up and healing as soon as possible.

2. Healing Takes Time

Healing from an Achilles injury takes time. Always follow your podiatrist’s instructions carefully for treatment and follow-up care. Keep the following pointers in mind to help your healing.

Rest is key. Be prepared to rest the foot for two weeks or more. It generally takes about six months for the tendon to return to full function.

Exercise carefully. Light exercise will help heal once the tendon has started to heal, but avoid strenuous activity.

Remember to rehabilitate. Proper rehabilitation is crucial to healing foot and ankle injuries, so be sure to ask Dr. Shuman about exercises to strengthen your tendons and legs.

3. It Might Recur

If you’ve had Achilles tendonitis, it might happen again. Dr. Shuman can customize a list of preventative measures.

What can you do to prevent Achilles tendonitis?

• Always warm up thoroughly before any strenuous exercise.
• Build up gradually to intense exercise or long exercise periods.
• Stretch your muscles and tendons every day.
• Use custom orthotics to support the tendon and minimize pain.
• Wear night splints while sleeping.
• Try massages to keep the blood flowing to your feet and ankles.

4. It Can Get Worse

It’s important to get treatment for Achilles tendonitis right away to keep the damage from getting worse. Call Shuman Podiatry as soon as you notice the telltale symptoms:

• Pain along the backs of your legs.
• Pain in the heel area that gets worse after you exercise.
• Swelling or persistent soreness in the heel area.
• Pain that flares up when you run up stairs.

Left untreated, it can develop into Achilles tendinosis, also known as Haglund’s syndrome.

The two conditions have similar symptoms but require different treatments, so it is important to get the right diagnosis. You can count on Shuman Podiatry to provide the most accurate diagnoses and the most innovative treatments.

5. Full Recovery is Possible

The good news about Achilles tendonitis is that with the proper treatment and enough rest and rehabilitation, you can make a full recovery.

The sooner a podiatrist diagnoses the problem, the shorter and better your recovery will be. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs of pain and to call Shuman Podiatry as soon as you experience symptoms.

Don’t let Achilles tendonitis or another foot condition slow your stride. Call Shuman Podiatry today and get on the road to recovery.