Achilles Tendon

Athletes are at increased risk for chronic heel pain from an Achilles tendon injury. At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, Joel Segalman, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAO, and Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, offer on-site diagnostic testing services to identify tendon tears or an Achilles tendon rupture. The specialists also provide nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments for Achilles tendon injuries to relieve pain and restore your physical function. Call the office in Waterbury or Newtown, Connecticut, to schedule an evaluation for an Achilles tendon injury or book an appointment online today.

What is the Achilles tendon?

Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, which connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. While the tendon is made of tough, fibrous tissue, it’s prone to injuries from overuse or stress from walking, running, and jumping.

Too much stress on the tendon can cause tears in the tissue that trigger inflammation and pain. An Achilles tendon rupture describes the separation of the tendon fibers, which can also be painful and limit you physically.

Anyone can develop an Achilles tendon injury, especially athletes. You might also be at risk for Achilles tendon injuries as you get older due to age-related tissue changes.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury?

If you have an Achilles tendon tear or rupture, you may not experience any symptoms right away. As your condition worsens, you might develop symptoms like:

• Heel pain
• Calf pain
• Swelling in the calf or heel
• Difficulty putting pressure on your leg

Some people may also hear a popping sound at the time of the tendon injury.

If you have any of these symptoms and can’t find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC.

The providers physically examine your calf and heel to identify swelling and tenderness. They may also request an ultrasound or other diagnostic imaging test to confirm tendon tears or a rupture.

How are Achilles tendon injuries treated?

Treatment options for Achilles tendon injuries include nonsurgical therapies and minimally invasive surgery. The Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, physicians create a  treatment plan based on the severity of your injury and your symptoms.

Nonsurgical strategies to heal Achilles tendon tears include:

• Bracing
• Ice therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Prescription medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy

If you have a ruptured tendon, you may need surgery. The skilled surgeons use small incisions to access the Achilles tendon and advanced surgical techniques to repair the torn tissue.

After surgery, you may need to participate in physical therapy and at-home exercises to restore strength in the muscles and tendons in your leg.

If you need a diagnostic evaluation for Achilles tendon pain, call the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, office near you, or book an appointment online today.