Do you feel a pain in your heel or back of your lower leg, especially when you stretch your ankle or stand on your toes? If so, you might have a common condition known as Achilles tendinitis. Casual runners and professional athletes alike are susceptible to this injury, but don’t worry. Here, at the Maryland Gout Institute, we can help you manage and overcome it.
Understanding Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs, or in middle-aged people who play sports only on the weekends, sometimes referred to as “weekend warriors”.
Identifying Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning, pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity, severe pain the day after exercising, thickening of the tendon, swelling that is constantly present and gets worse throughout the day with activity, or if you’re experiencing bone spurs.
Preventive Steps and Treatments
Even if Achilles tendinitis is already part of your life, there are several steps you can take to reduce the pain and prevent further injury. Implement regular stretching into your routine, particularly for your calf muscles, maintain a healthy weight, choose your shoes wisely with ample cushioning, and gradually increase your physical activities rather than diving right in.
Recuperating with the Maryland Gout Institute
At the Maryland Gout Institute located in Reisterstown, Maryland, we understand that each patient and injury are unique. We work closely with you to create a tailored treatment plan for your Achilles tendinitis which may include Physiotherapy, Medication, Orthotic devices, or in some rare and severe cases, Surgery. We also strategize a comprehensive recovery plan intended to help strengthen your legs and prevent future flare-ups.
If you’re struggling with the effects of Achilles tendinitis or if you’ve been experiencing symptoms and aren’t sure what they mean, don’t worry. We’re here to help you put your best foot forward again! Visit our practice today because we understand that when your feet hurt, you hurt all over.