Achilles tendonitis can be brutal to live with, but Dr. Katherine Machado at Machado Foot & Ankle Center in Miami, FL, offers dedicated, quality care to help you find relief from your suffering and get back on your feet comfortably.
Guide to Achilles Tendonitis and How a Podiatrist Can Help
Your body relies on various muscles and soft tissues to get you through your daily life, as well as any athletic activities you enjoy. The Achilles tendon is one of these tissues. It is located at the back of your lower legs, running from the calf muscles to the heel bone. It’s very strong and is relied on more than others for walking and other movements involving the feet.
When this tendon is damaged or in pain, any movement you make can feel excruciating. Below, Dr. Machado and the team at Machado Foot & Ankle Center in Miami, FL, share what Achilles tendonitis is, what causes it, and how a podiatrist can help.
Understanding Achilles Injuries
Soft tissues in the body are accustomed to managing a certain amount of weight and activity, but have limits. If you live an active lifestyle, whether it includes exercise and sports or a physically demanding job, the Achilles tendon endures high amounts of strain for long periods.
This repetitive or increased stress can cause it to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to a great deal of pain. And when you’re not allowing it time to rest and recover, the pain can be constant. Additionally, you might experience heel pain and tightness in the lower legs.
All of these can make walking and completing regular activities more difficult and painful than they should be. If it goes untreated for too long, relief may require surgical intervention. This is why it’s important to see your podiatrist as soon as you notice symptoms.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
The first step is assessing and diagnosing any symptoms involving your feet, ankles, and lower legs. As there are so many load-bearing components in these areas, the problem may or may not lie in the tendon itself. Proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
If the diagnosis confirms the trouble lies within the Achilles tendon, a customized care plan will be developed. This can include:
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as incorporating rest, ice, and elevation into your routine
- Adjusting your activities
- Orthotic devices
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
If conservative methods are not effective, surgery and other potential treatments will be discussed.
If you suspect you’re living with Achilles tendonitis in or around Miami, FL, call (305) 385-9494 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Machado at Machado Foot & Ankle Center for personalized care.