Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition affecting people of all ages in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It usually occurs in the back of the heel or Achilles tendon, which connects calf muscles to your foot. Many different reasons can cause this condition, including overuse, injury, tightness in the calves or ankle joint, muscle imbalance between the front and back part of your lower legs (called leg length inequality), flat feet (overpronation), or arthritis. Colorado Springs tendonitis specialists can use the following treatments in offering a remedy.
Ice Therapy
Ice is the best treatment for acute injuries to ensure you don’t worsen the tendonitis. Ice can reduce pain and swelling during an injury. This also reduces your chances of developing further complications like a blood clot.
Placing ice on your Achilles tendon should only be done for 15 to 20 minutes, then take about 45 minutes off before you put the ice back on again. Doing this three to four times a day will help reduce swelling and pain during an injury or flare-up.
Physical Therapy
One of the best ways to treat Achilles tendonitis is physical therapy, which involves ultrasound, laser, or electrical stimulation treatment. These therapies can help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness in your muscles. Also, you might do some stretching and strengthening exercises in physical therapy to help improve the condition.
Surgery
In severe cases, when all other treatments fail, there is a surgical procedure called Tenotomy where one part of your tendon (the healthy portion) is cut, which relieves the pressure on the injured tendon.
This does not guarantee that you will immediately start feeling better, however. You may have to wear a cast or compression bandage for several weeks after surgery until your tendon is healed. There’s also a risk of re-injuring the tendon, leading to further complications, like arthritis, in the future.
Orthotics
An orthotic insole in your shoes is another option. They can help correct certain foot types like overpronation, which is often the cause of Achilles tendonitis. Fixing this type of foot imbalance may prevent further injury to your tendon and reduce pain. Orthotics are also used with physical therapy or even surgery if needed. These insoles can also help treat and prevent plantar fasciitis (heel pain).
Night Splints
Night splints are used to stretch tight calf muscles while you’re sleeping. These devices put the foot in a slightly bent position which helps keep your Achilles tendon and calf muscle in an extended (stretched) state overnight. This is one of the best ways to treat Achilles tendonitis because it allows for better recovery during sleep when you’re not moving around, and it keeps the muscles stretched out.
Physical Therapy
One of the best ways to treat Achilles tendonitis is physical therapy, which involves ultrasound, laser, or electrical stimulation treatment. These therapies can help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness in your muscles. Also, you might do some stretching and strengthening exercises in physical therapy to help improve the condition.
Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition that can affect people of all ages, both men and women. It usually occurs in the back of the heel or Achilles tendon, which connects calf muscles to your foot. This condition can be caused by overuse, injury, tightness in the calves or ankle joint, or arthritis. Fortunately, some treatments can help, including ice and physical therapies.
