Achilles Tendonitis: 4 Questions To Ask Your Houston, TX, Podiatrists

Achilles tendonitis (or tendinitis) is a swelling that occurs when the Achilles tendon has been overworked. It normally begins as a mild ache in the lower leg or area around the heel and is known to progress in pain and discomfort if strain is continually put on it. Tenderness and stiffness are also common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis.

In many cases of Achilles tendonitis, any discomfort will subside just simply by taking it easy for a few days. However, if your discomfort persists, you should definitely make an appointment to see your Houston podiatrists and get to the bottom of things. Here’s a look at some questions to ask your podiatrists in Houston about as you seek treatment options for the condition:

1. What caused my Achilles tendonitis? Do you play sports? Are you a runner? If so, that’s likely what led to the condition, especially if you don’t play sports on a regular basis or if you’ve recently upped the intensity or distance of your runs and workouts.
2. What are my treatment options? As we noted above, simply taking it easy for a few days will likely cause symptoms to subside. Over-the-counter pain relievers and certain exercises can also help in your recovery. In more dire cases, especially if you continue working out with Achilles pain and damage the tendon, corrective surgery may be required.
3. What is the recovery timeline? As we noted, self-care measures combined with proper rest usually cause symptoms to subside within a few days to a week. Surgery, however, has a longer timeline. As is the case with most conditions, everyone responds differently to certain types of treatment, so recovery timelines may vary.
4. What can I do to prevent this from recurring? In some cases, Achilles tendonitis cannot be prevented. However, if you’re a runner or athlete, proper stretching always helps. Additionally, you should be selective with the shoes you wear, increase workout intensity gradually and perhaps even wear an orthotic device in your shoes to help support the heel.

For more information on Achilles tendonitis, please contact our podiatrists in Houston, Texas, today.

This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our podiatry office in Houston, TX would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.