When Rest Isn’t Enough: How a Podiatrist Treats Chronic Achilles Pain

When Rest Isn't Enough: A Podiatrist's Approach to Chronic Achilles Pain

Chronic Achilles tendon pain can be frustrating and debilitating, especially if home care and rest have failed to relieve it. The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the muscle of the calf and is essential for walking, running, and jumping. When the tendon is inflamed or hurt, it can result in chronic tenderness and significantly alter your lifestyle. A podiatrist can provide a personalized treatment strategy tailored to your situation and desired outcome if you have chronic Achilles tendon pain. At Connecticut Foot Care Centers, we specialize in treating Achilles pain and other foot-related conditions. With locations in Rocky Hill, Bristol, Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, and Kensington, CT, our experienced podiatrists are here to help you find relief and get back to living your life comfortably.

Understanding The Causes of Chronic Achilles Pain

Chronic Achilles soreness is typically the product of overuse, leading to tendon inflammation (Achilles tendinitis) or small tendon ruptures (tendinosis). The condition is caused by long-term strain from sports, poorly fitting footwear, tight calf muscles, or abnormal foot anatomy. If ignored, the situation can aggravate the ache over time, leading to partial or complete tendon rupture.

What A Podiatrist Can Do That Rest Can't

Although rest can help with the early stages of tendon injury, chronic pain is usually treated specially. A podiatrist first performs a physical exam and imaging test, such as an ultrasound or an MRI, to ascertain the extent of the injury. Depending on your case, your treatment regimen could consist of:

• Custom orthotics: Shoe inserts to alter foot biomechanics to decrease tendon strain.
  
  
• Physical Therapy: Directed stretching and strengthening exercises to help reach tendon strength and flexibility.
  
  
• Immobilization: An immobilization boot can allow the tendon to heal if it is seriously injured.
  
  
• Inflammation Treatments: Oral medication or local agents to combat inflammation and reduce discomfort.
  
  
• Advanced therapies: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), or even surgical procedures, can be useful in inducing healing for recalcitrant lesions.

When Surgery Is an Option

An operation is an option if conservative management is unsuccessful over several months. A podiatric surgeon can remove diseased tendon tissue, repair a ruptured tendon, or loosen tight calf muscles that may cause the syndrome. Surgery is followed by rehabilitation, which is vital to achieving the desired level of activity under the direction of a physician.

Don't Ignore Chronic Achilles Pain

If Achilles pain persists for several weeks or worsens over time, it is time to seek professional help. A podiatrist at Connecticut Foot Care Centers offers more than temporary relief—a podiatrist has the expertise and treatments available to eradicate chronic pain and avoid future injury. To schedule an appointment, call us in Rocky Hill at 860-563-1200, Bristol at 860-582-0747, Middletown at 860-346-5226, Glastonbury at 860-633-6749, Newington at 860-666-2078, or Kensington at 860-828-9455, or visit Connecticut Foot Care Centers to learn more about our services.