Achilles Pain Doctors
The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscles to the heel bone with connective tissue. Achilles pain is most often caused by an overuse injury affecting this band of tissue. Whether your pain stems from intense running, a high-energy sports activity, overexertion or excessively tight calf muscles, you should speak to a doctor right away if you’re experiencing discomfort in this area. Achilles pain can signal an issue that progresses into a more serious condition if left untreated, like tendinitis becoming a tendon tear.
If Achilles pain affects your comfort and mobility, it’s time to contact experts who can get you back on your feet. The team at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates can help with treatment that gets you back to doing what you love.
What Is Achilles Pain?
Achilles pain is most often caused by Achilles tendinitis, a common overuse injury impacting the Achilles tendon. Pain occurs when this large band of tissues becomes inflamed or irritated. These symptoms are your immune system’s natural response to injury and often cause swelling or discomfort.
The Achilles is the largest tendon in your body. You use it when walking, running, jumping, standing on your tip toes or climbing stairs. Because it sees so much use, the Achilles tendon can withstand significant amounts of stress from movement or activity. However, it can be prone to tendinitis due to overuse, especially if you play sports like basketball or tennis. You may also develop tendinitis if you are a runner who has recently increased the intensity or duration of your workouts.
You can have two types of Achilles tendinitis, which differ based on where the tendon is inflamed:
- Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis occurs in the middle portion of the tendon.
- Insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs in the lower part of the tendon.
When Should I See a Doctor for My Achilles Pain?
If your Achilles pain goes untreated, tendinitis can progress and degenerate your Achilles tendon. Once it loses its anatomic structure, you’re more likely to develop a tendon tear — a condition called Achilles tendon rupture. A rupture is far more severe than Achilles tendinitis and may require surgery to treat. This possible progression means it’s essential to see the Achilles pain doctors at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates if you are experiencing persistent Achilles tendon pain.
You may experience Achilles pain as:
- An uncomfortable but not severe ache in the back of the leg or above the heel.
- Pain that occurs after high-energy activities like running.
- An episode of severe pain after prolonged exercise.
- Tenderness or stiffness, especially when you first wake up.
- Pain that improves with mild activity level.
Receive Expert Care for Your Achilles Pain From Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
Put your best foot forward and enjoy the activities you love without Achilles pain. Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates are Achilles pain doctors serving patients in Centralia, Lacey, Olympia, Tacoma and Tumwater.
Even if you need immediate care, we often have same- or next-day appointments available to address your discomfort quickly and professionally. Reach out today to schedule your appointment, or give us a call at 360-754-3338.
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An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC
An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC