Achilles Tendon Pain in Parker,CO
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Achilles tendon pain is common in patients of all ages, but it’s especially common among athletes and older men and women. If you have pain and swelling in your calf or around your ankle, your Achilles tendon could be to blame. Kevin Blue, DPM, FACFAS, Ryan Muchowski, DPM, and the team help patients in Parker, Colorado, relieve Achilles tendon pain, beginning with conservative approaches and moving to more aggressive techniques when needed. Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine is a leading provider of podiatric treatments. If you have Achilles tendon pain, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible to prevent serious complications.
How Is Achilles Tendon Pain Treated?
Achilles tendon pain can be treated through various methods depending on its severity and cause. Nonsurgical treatments may include rest, ice therapy, compression, elevation, NSAIDs, physical therapy, orthotic devices, activity modification, and night splints. Advanced treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and ultrasound therapy may also be used. Surgery, such as debridement and repair, gastrocnemius recession, or tendon transfer, is considered when other options fail to relieve pain after several months.
What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Pain?
Achilles tendon pain typically presents as discomfort or stiffness in the back of the ankle or calf, particularly during physical activity. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness along the Achilles tendon
- Swelling or thickening around the tendon area
- Stiffness in the ankle, especially in the morning or after resting
- Weakness or difficulty pushing off the foot when walking or running
- A feeling of tightness in the calf
- A popping or snapping sensation in severe cases, which may indicate a tear
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek evaluation and treatment at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine before the condition worsens.
Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine Reviews
I got in quickly, started treatment, will have a followup. Easy ability to contact for information. My visit initiated with the doctor. In-office x-rays, specialization. All around foot care.
Everyone was great,Very professional. I was totally impressed with the DR.
I really enjoyed my experienced at Colorado Foot and Ankle. I had procrastinated in taking care of two ingrown toenails, and now that I have worked with Dr. Muchowski, I wish I hadn’t waited as long as I did. The office staff was very friendly and helpful in booking my appointments and answering questions. Dr. Muchowski was very friendly and expedient in carrying out the procedure for both toes, and the pain after was much less that the pain I had with the condition going in. Dr. M was also careful to take only what he had to so that the toes were left aesthetically as good as possible. Both toes healed beautifully, and I am so happy Dr. M took such good care of me. I would recommend him and his office to everyone.
We had an absolutely great experience.
Dr Muchowski was kind, passionate and an excellent doctor. He worked well with my child and explained everything that he was doing. I would 100% recommend him to anyone needing a podiatrist.
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About UsAchilles Tendon Pain FAQs
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a very strong, fibrous band that connects your calf muscle to your heel. As the largest tendon in your body, the Achilles tendon helps you push off with your foot when walking or running and also helps you stand on your tiptoes. Plus, it helps stabilize the foot, ankle, and lower leg, and plays a major role in your gait (the way you walk) and your mobility. When the Achilles tendon becomes injured or inflamed, you can feel pain in your calf and your heel. Pain can also extend into your foot and up to your knee.
What causes Achilles tendon pain?
• Most Achilles pain is caused by one of two problems:
Partial or complete tears (ruptures) of the tendon, resulting in sudden pain and loss of mobility and often caused by forceful movements that strain the calf muscle
• Achilles tendonitis (sometimes spelled tendinitis), inflammation of the tendon caused by overuse, repetitive use, or strain
Sports injuries are common causes of Achilles tendon pain, and pain can also occur as a result of overuse or failure to warm up before exercising or participating in sports, especially running or hiking. Both Achilles tendon tears and tendonitis are more common among older people and among weekend warrior athletes who tend to push themselves too hard or use improper warm-up or training techniques.
How is Achilles tendon pain treated?
First, your provider will assess your symptoms and your ankle joint to determine the type of injury you have. In a few cases, they may prescribe diagnostic imaging to gain additional information about your injury. Treatment will depend on the type of injury and the amount of damage to your tendon. Mild Achilles injuries often resolve with rest, elevation, and application of ice, along with pain medication to reduce discomfort.
Gentle stretching exercises can also help promote healing. Your provider may recommend custom orthotics to help reduce strain and stress on the tendon to prevent future injuries. You may need to take it easy for weeks or even months to enable the tendon to fully heal. For more severe problems, your doctor may use casting or splinting to immobilize your lower leg so your tendon can heal, or they may need to perform surgery to repair the tendon, especially if it’s badly torn. Physical therapy can also help you improve your mobility and strength as you recover.