The Achilles tendon got its name from an ancient Greek legend. The story was about a hero with one vulnerable place on his body – the back of his ankle. Unfortunately, this isn’t just fiction. Your Achilles tendon is prone to several common problems, and it can become inflamed or even rupture. That’s why many patients end up seeking Achilles tendonitis treatment at Best Foot Doctor NY.
If you’re suffering from Achilles tendonitis, you know how much this condition can interfere with your daily life. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we offer state-of-the-art Achilles tendonitis treatment that can help you get back on your feet and put an end to your pain for good. Keep reading to learn more about the best ways to treat this painful condition – and how to keep it from happening in the first place!
What Is Your Achilles Tendon? A Brooklyn Podiatrist Explains
Your Achilles tendon can be found on the back of your lower leg. As the largest tendon in your body, its purpose is to connect your calf bone to your heel bone. You use this tendon for many movements involving your feet. Your Achilles tendon is required to lift your heel, and you need it in order to:
- Walk and run
- Jump
- Stand on your toes
- Use stairs
Clearly, this tendon is essential for daily life. When it’s not working properly, you should never wait to seek medical advice and treatment.
Why Would Your Achilles Tendon Become Inflamed?
Tendonitis refers to an inflammation (swelling and irritation) of your Achilles tendon. There are many factors that can cause this tendon to malfunction. Let’s look at six of the possible explanations:
- A sudden increase in physical activity
- Running up steep inclines
- Exercising in cold temperatures
- Wearing shoes that don’t properly support your feet
- Having excess body weight
- Having a foot shape that puts you at higher risk of the condition
However, sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the reason behind your Achilles tendonitis. This condition can affect anyone at any age.
Preventing Achilles Tendonitis | A Brooklyn Podiatrist’s Advice
Nothing can guarantee that you’ll never suffer from Achilles tendon pain. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. Let’s consider a couple of these.
Train Carefully
“Weekend warriors” are especially prone to Achilles tendonitis. Your body needs time to adjust to increased exercise time and intensity. Don’t expect to go straight from sitting on the couch to running a marathon – instead, intensify your workouts slowly over weeks and months. Within a single workout session, this principle also applies. You should always take 5 to 10 minutes before your workout to warm up.
Wear the Right Shoes
Using old workout shoes until they fall apart might seem like a great way to save money. However, this choice could end up costing you more in the long run. Your athletic shoes are designed to last around 300 to 500 miles. Depending on brand and quality, you might get even less mileage out of them. When the soles begin to break down or become more flexible than they used to be, it’s time to replace your shoes.
The Best Options For Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
If you’re looking for Achilles tendon repair in Brooklyn, Best Foot Doctor NY has many options available. If your Achilles tendon is irritated but not torn, you may get relief from conservative measures. These might include:
- Working with a physical therapist
- Pain-relieving medication
- Inserts in your shoe that can take some strain off your Achilles tendon
- Reducing your activity levels until you’ve healed
However, if these treatments don’t work, or if your tendon has ruptured, you may need surgical repair. At Best Foot Doctor NY, our first step will be to accurately diagnose your injury. This may involve an X-ray or MRI. We’ll also take the time to thoroughly investigate your medical history and perform a careful examination.
If you need surgery, we have the best team in Brooklyn on hand to perform Achilles tendon repair. Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov has an extensive track record of successful surgeries, combining knowledge and expertise with compassion. Depending on your needs, we may perform open repair or percutaneous repair to surgically resolve your Achilles tendon pain. Full recovery may take between six months and a year. However, you may be able to bear weight in about two to six weeks.
Ready To Find Out More About Our Achilles Tendonitis Treatment?
Best Foot Doctor NY is committed to bringing you world-class podiatric treatment. With affordable rates and multiple convenient locations, we remain Brooklyn’s top choice for Achilles tendonitis treatment. Call (718) 291 9020 today or schedule an exam online!