Achilles Tendon Injury

An Achilles tendon injury is often painful without treatment. At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California in Auburn and Grass Valley, California, experienced foot and ankle surgeon Marc Claydon, DPM, offers conservative and surgical treatments to restore the affected tendon and eliminate your discomfort. Call the office to schedule an evaluation or request an appointment online today.

What is an Achilles tendon injury?

Your Achilles tendon is a fibrous tissue band that helps secure your calf muscle to your heel. The tendon helps you run, walk, and jump properly. When injured, the Achilles tendon is painful and often restricts your ability to stay active. Dr. Claydon offers highly effective treatments to repair a damaged Achilles tendon and help it heal effectively. 

What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury?

The signs and symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include:

• Heel, ankle, or leg pain
• Dull pain
• Sharp or severe discomfort
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Soreness
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Bruising
• Weakness
• Instability
• Reduced joint range of motion
• Limited mobility 
• Pain with exercise
• Thickened Achilles tendon

The symptoms you have may be mild, moderate, or severe.

What are the different types of Achilles tendon injuries?

There are several main types of Achilles tendon injuries. One common issue is tendonitis, which occurs when the affected tendon becomes irritated, swollen, and inflamed. An Achilles tendon rupture is the tearing of an injured tendon. That can cause extreme pain and a popping sound at the time of the injury.

What can cause an Achilles tendon injury?

Tendonitis can develop because of overtraining, playing sports, or age-related wear. Additional risk factors include doing intense physical activities, taking certain medicines, undergoing repetitive stress, having bone spurs, starting a new sport, and having tight calf muscles. Exercising on uneven surfaces may also increase the chance of an Achilles tendon injury.

Proper sports training, wearing comfortable footwear, and warming up and stretching before exercise are excellent ways to reduce the risk of Achilles tendon injuries. 

How is an Achilles tendon injury diagnosed?

To diagnose an Achilles tendon injury, Dr. Claydon examines your feet and ankles. He also asks about your symptoms and medical history. You may need X-rays, an MRI, or another imaging procedure to confirm a final diagnosis and determine how to best treat your injury. 

How is an Achilles tendon injury treated?

The best treatment for an Achilles tendon injury depends on the type of injury you have and how severe it is. Dr. Claydon may suggest:

• Rest
• Ice 
• Medications
• Injections 
• Physical therapy 
• Injury-specific exercises
• Lower-impact exercises
• Custom orthotics
• Heel lift
• Casting 
• Splinting
• Walking boot
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Surgery

Surgical procedures can repair the affected Achilles tendon or surrounding tissues to strengthen them. You may need surgery if you partially or fully rupture your Achilles tendon. Dr. Claydon is highly trained in all types of foot and ankle surgeries.

At the first sign of an Achilles tendon injury, schedule an appointment at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California by phone or request one using the online booking feature.