Does an injury on the ankle make your life uncomfortable? Ankle injuries could impact the Achilles tendons, which are bands of tissue connecting the lower leg to the heel bone. It is possible to get Achilles tendon injuries when you engage in high-energy, athletic activities. You should look for an expert who can treat injuries to the achilles tendon in Westfield near you. Read on to learn more about Achilles tendon injuries, their causes, and how to cope with them.
Symptoms and Causes of Achilles Tendon Injury
You could experience a mild ache in the back of the leg and above the heel when you develop an Achilles tendon injury. Severe pain from Achilles tendon injury might occur during high-intensity activities such as prolonged running, sprinting, and stair climbing. The injuries on the Achilles tendons result from repetitive strain from activities like running, jumping, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Some risk factors like gender can lead to Achilles tendon injury, and men are more likely to develop the condition as they are more aggressive than women. Moreover, the condition is more common as people age and could result from physical problems like natural flat-arched feet. Training shoe choices could lead to the condition; for instance, ill-fitting shoes may increase the risk of Achilles tendonitis. Medications like fluoroquinolones and medical conditions like high blood pressure increase risks of Achilles tendonitis
Treating Achilles Tendonitis
You would use home remedies, medications, and surgery to treat the condition, but you would need a proper assessment of the tendons by a doctor. You could reduce physical activity as the condition is associated with high-energy activity. If the tendonitis is mild, you would need an extended rest period with gentle stretching and strengthening of the calf muscles. You may need to switch to less strenuous sports and exercise, but it does mean you would abstain from exercises altogether.
If you already have pain, you can ice the area to reduce inflammation and pain. Furthermore, you would need to elevate the feet above the head and chest to reduce swelling and pain in the area. When resting, raising the feet reduces symptoms of tendonitis. You would need a brace or walking boot that prevents heel movement, thus reducing damage on the tendons.
Eventually, you need to go for physical therapy as the therapist can help deal with tendonitis-associated pain. A therapist could develop techniques that ensure the tendons are safe during movement and teach you how to cope with tendonitis. Again, you may need to take anti-inflammatory medications for a limited time until your feet heal properly. You may need to wear shoes that fit well as they release tension from tendonitis. Finally, your doctor might recommend minimally invasive surgery to replace completely worn-out tendons.
Final Thoughts
Achilles tendonitis can reduce the quality of life for an athlete who participates in high-energy activities. However, it is possible to learn how to cope with Achilles tendonitis, especially when opting for physical therapy. Again, you would opt for home remedies such as icing the area, elevating the feet when resting, and wearing well-fitting shoes. Eventually, you may need to switch from high-energy sports to less strenuous sports. Finally, you may undergo surgery to replace completely worn-out Achilles tendons. Good luck learning how to deal with Achilles tendonitis.
