Therapy for Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon, located in the heel where the heel and the calf muscle connect, is the largest tendon in the body. Although it can sustain pressure up to 1,000 pounds, it is susceptible to tears and inflammation. Tears of the Achilles tendon may have to be repaired by surgery, while a common inflammation in the tendon called tendonitis may be treated by surgery, therapy or restricted movement.

Common Injuries

• Tendonitis is a common problem in the Achilles tendon. It occurs when patients run too quickly after being in a resting position without properly stretching, or in patients who run frequently or rapidly increase the speed of their running. Running on an incline, such as up stairs or on a hill, may also cause tendonitis.

  A tear in the Achilles tendon is also possible if the tendon stretches too much and becomes torn. Many of the same behaviors that cause tendonitis can cause a tear in the Achilles heel.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include pain in the area of the heel where the tendon is located. The pain may worsen during or after exercise, and may be persistent and chronic or come in sharp bursts. The leg with the affected heel may feel sluggish and the bones in the feet may swell up or become stiff.

Non-Surgical Therapy

• Non-surgical therapies are often the first course of treatment for Achilles tendon injuries. Rest is an important therapy and should include refraining from activities that place stress or tension on the heel while the tendon heels or the inflammation ceases. Wearing a bandage or brace to restrict the motion of the tendon for a period of time ranging from a few days to a few weeks may also be a useful therapy, as it will give the tendon time to properly recover. Orthotics are another therapy used to treat Achilles tendon injury. Orthotics, or other support devices, can be worn inside the shoe to protect the Achilles tendon during activities. Finally, stretching the tendon during the period of recovery and prior to beginning any athletic activity is an important therapy to help heel injury and protect the tendon.

Pain Management Therapy

• An Achilles heel injury may be painful, especially when walking on the affected food. NSAIDs are generally sufficient to treat the pain. NSAIDs are a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications designed to deal with pain. They can be over-the-counter, like Tylenol, or given by prescription in higher doses. Massage therapy or ultrasound therapy may also be recommended as therapy for the affected heel, both for pain management and recovery.

Surgical Therapy

• While surgery is one therapy option for an Achilles tendon injury, it is not usually offered or recommended until all other methods have been exhausted. The surgical therapy involves the removal of fibrous tissue that forms between the Achilles tendon and the sheath surrounding the tendon. Surgery can also repair a torn Achilles tendon. Following the surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy is recommended for several weeks to ensure a full recovery. This therapy involves stretching the tendon and doing other exercises as recommended by your physician.