The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. This particular tendon helps you do all kinds of activities like walking, running, and standing on your toes.
However, it might be excruciating when the Achilles tendon is injured or overused. Are you also feeling pain? It may be hard to move when you have this condition. Visit a foot doctor in Houston to get the best treatment.
But, before that, you must know about the condition and how to feel better. Achilles tendon repair in Houston, TX is possible, but let’s take a look at this post first.
This article will talk about Achilles Tendon pain – what causes it and how you can feel better.
Why Does This Condition Cause Pain?
There are two main reasons people experience pain in their Achilles tendon: Achilles tendonitis and tendon rupture.
- Achilles Tendonitis is when the Achilles tendon gets inflamed due to too much stress or use. It often affects runners or people who suddenly start exercising more than usual.
- Tendon Rupture is a rupture that happens when the Achilles tendon partially or fully tears. A sudden, muscular movement, like jumping or sprinting, usually causes this.
Symptoms You Should Look Out For
If you’re feeling pain or discomfort in the back of your leg, there are common signs to look out for.
- Pain or stiffness in the back of the ankle, especially when you wake up or in the early hours of the morning.
- Swelling or tenderness along the tendon or in the heel region.
- Feeling weak or unstable when trying to stand on your toes.
- You hear a popping or snapping sound.
How to Treat Achilles Tendon Pain?
There are several ways to treat Achilles tendon pain, depending on the severity of the problem.
- Resting: The first thing to do is to relax your leg. Avoid activities that make the pain worse, like running or jumping.
- Application of Ice: To reduce swelling, apply ice to the painful area for 10 to 15 minutes a few times daily.
- Compression Required: Wrapping the ankle with a bandage can help control swelling and support your tendon.
- Elevation Is Needed: Keep your leg raised when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help once the pain disappears. To avoid further injury, these exercises should be done under a doctor or physiotherapist’s guidance.
- Medication: Over-the-counter painkillers are available. Medicines like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication because there may be side effects.
- Surgery: In cases of complete rupture or severe tendonitis that doesn’t improve with other treatments, surgery might be needed to repair the tendon.
How To Prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries?
Preventing Achilles tendon injuries is primarily about caring for your legs and not overdoing physical activities. Here are some tips:
- Warm-Up Properly: Always warm up before exercising. Gentle stretching helps prepare the muscles and tendons for activity.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Wear shoes that fit well and provide proper support for sports.
- Increase Activity Gradually: If you’re starting a new workout or increasing your exercise level, ensure you are not stressing the affected area.
- Rest: Give your body time to recover between intense workouts. Rest is just as important as exercise.
- Listen to what your body says: Rest is very important, and you should listen to what your body tries to tell you.
Summing Up
The Achilles tendon is essential for moving, so caring for it is important. If you feel any pain or discomfort in the back of your leg, don’t ignore it. Visit an expert to get it checked immediately. Recognizing the signs of a problem early on, getting the right treatment, and taking steps to prevent an injury can help keep your Achilles tendon solid and healthy.
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