Is Your Heel Pain Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common overuse injuries we see at the Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland. If left unaddressed, this inflammation can progress into a chronic, degenerative condition or, even worse, a debilitating tendon rupture. The key to avoiding a long and difficult recovery is to spot the signs early. The following blog will teach you what to look for.

First, What is the Achilles Tendon?

Before we talk about injuries, let's understand the anatomy.

·        The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body.

·        It's a powerful band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it's essential for walking, running, jumping…virtually any activity that involves pushing off your foot.

"Tendonitis" simply means that this hardworking tendon has become inflamed, usually due to repetitive stress and micro-tears from overuse.

The Early Warning Signs: Don't Ignore These Symptoms

The difference between a minor strain and a long-term problem often comes down to recognizing these subtle, early signals. If you're experiencing any of the following, your body is telling you to pay attention:

ü  Morning Stiffness: You feel significant pain and stiffness at the back of your heel with your first few steps out of bed, which "loosens up" as you move around.

ü  Pain That Worsens with Activity: You notice a nagging ache along the tendon that intensifies as you walk, run, or move in general.

ü  Tenderness to the Touch: The tendon itself is sore or tender when you squeeze it from the sides.

ü  Visible Swelling or Thickening: You may see or feel a bit of swelling or a thickened area along the tendon compared to your other leg.

ü  Pain the Day After Exercise: The pain is often more severe the day after an intense workout or activity.

From Irritation to Rupture: Why Early Treatment Matters

Why is it so important to address these early signs? Because persistent inflammation can change the structure of the tendon itself.

·        When tendonitis is ignored, it can progress to tendinosis, a condition where the tendon fibers begin to degenerate and break down.

·        This weakens the tendon significantly, making it much more susceptible to a partial or complete rupture. This is a serious injury that can happen from a single, sudden movement. It typically requires surgery.

The goal of early treatment is to stop this progression in its tracks, allowing the tendon to heal before it becomes permanently damaged.

What to Do If You Spot the Signs

If these symptoms sound familiar, your first steps should be focused on reducing the strain on the tendon.

• Modify Your Activity: Avoid the high-impact activities that are causing the pain, like running or jumping. Switch to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.

• Gentle Stretching: Perform gentle calf stretches daily to relieve tightness and reduce tension on the tendon.

• Supportive Footwear: Avoid wearing flat, unsupportive shoes. A shoe with a slight heel lift can often provide immediate relief by reducing the strain on the Achilles tendon.

If your pain doesn't improve within a week of at-home care, see a podiatrist. A personalized treatment plan may include physical therapy, custom orthotics, or other therapies.

Battling bunions and unsure of your options? Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule your initial diagnostic appointment. We look forward to meeting you!