Although it most often affects younger, active individuals, Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition that can happen to anyone. This article will offer treatment options for the soreness and inflammation from Achilles tendonitis that can interfere with an individual’s daily life. Best Foot Doctor specializes in helping our patients figure out their best options for treating Achilles tendonitis. Is laser treatment for Achilles tendonitis effective?
At-Home Remedies for Achilles Tendonitis
If you believe you have Achilles tendonitis, you should consult a podiatrist about your concerns. If you are located in the NYC area, Best Foot Doctor is a trusted podiatrist (foot doctor) with established locations in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
Before seeing your podiatrist, you should consider rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications to treat your Achilles tendonitis. Hopefully, these options will improve your situation. Still, your podiatrist may tell you that these therapies are not enough. You may want to consider laser therapy for your condition.
How Does Laser Treatment Help Achilles Tendonitis?
When the Achilles tendon (located on the back of the heel) becomes overused, it becomes inflamed and sore. Any new exercise program or heightened intensity of exercise can cause this condition. It can also come about on its own, without provocation. When the tendons in the feet become overused and inflamed, this ligament, which connects the heel to the leg, may tear in more severe cases. If this tendon becomes torn, it will require surgery and a long healing process.
Your podiatrist can help identify if the tendon is torn or inflamed. If an Achilles tendon is inflamed and not torn, laser therapy can significantly reduce healing time. Laser treatment has shown remarkable results in studies and may be a good fit for many individuals.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Achilles tendons and similar ligaments and tendons are “white” muscles with limited red blood cells. Laser therapy increases red blood cell flow and speeds up the healing process. Collagen also helps the body heal, and studies have shown laser treatment used to treat Achilles tendonitis increases collagen in the healed muscle to promote healing.
One advantage of laser therapy is the relatively short time needed to see progress. You will likely need a few treatments, but these may be almost painless and require no downtime for healing and rehab. An FDA-approved laser targets the inflamed tendon or muscle with non-thermal (no heat) photon (light) particles. Individuals who receive laser therapy do not need to take time off work and can return to normal activities right after the laser appointment.
Disadvantages of Laser Therapy
With its high success rate and little-to-no downtime, you may wonder why everyone doesn’t just opt for laser therapy right away. Cost is one deterrent to this beneficial treatment. Specialized treatments can be expensive if not covered by insurance.
If you are concerned with the cost of treatment, and you and your doctor feel that laser treatment is the best option, you should contact your insurance company about the types of treatment they cover.
If you have any questions about laser therapy for treating Achilles tendonitis, please contact the Best Foot Doctor in NYC to schedule an appointment. Our helpful, friendly staff will be happy to take your call.