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Achilles Tears & Tendinitis
Conservative Treatment For Achilles Tears, Tendon Pain, & Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can occur from overuse, tightness of the calf muscle, bone spurring, or even as a side effect of certain medications. When patients develop Achilles tendinitis, there are a variety of treatments that an orthopedic specialist may suggest to resolve the issue and help you return to regular activity without pain or discomfort.
If you are experiencing achilles tendon pain or think you may have Achilles tendinitis it is important to see an orthopedic specialist for a proper diagnosis. Long-standing Achilles tendinitis may lead to a rupture within the Achilles tendon, which can affect your ability to walk properly and may require surgery.
Symptoms Of An Achilles Tendon Tear
You will often notice that you have experienced an Achilles tendon tear the moment it occurs or soon after. Often, this injury is accompanied by an auditory popping sound in addition to pain and reduced mobility. The most common symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are:
- Sudden onset of pain in the ankle
- A popping or snapping sound
- Sensation in the heel or calf as if you have just been kicked
- The inability to bend your foot downward
- Difficulty walking
When you schedule a consultation with G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine’s physician, Dr. Goradia will go over all your reported symptoms to ensure you receive the care you need to minimize your symptoms and resolve the issue as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Diagnosing An Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles tears can be debilitating, hindering your ability to walk and go about your daily activities. At your consultation with Dr. Goradia, he will perform a detailed physical examination to discuss your symptoms and determine the extent of the damage to the tendon. An MRI Scan may be ordered to assess the full extent of the injury.
Depending on the results of the MRI and physical exam, your injury may be treated either surgically or nonsurgically. At G2, we strive to exhaust any and all nonsurgical methods before recommending surgical intervention, so you can rest assured that your treatment is specifically tailored to your needs, activity level, and goals.
Achilles Tear & Tendinitis Treatment In Richmond, VA
Incomplete achilles tears identified from an MRI may initially be treated with early rehabilitation. Nonsurgical treatments may include the use of crutches, ice, and anti-inflammatories to rest and restore the ankle over time. These nonsurgical methods work in many cases, though they can occasionally increase your chances of re-rupture and can result in longer recovery times compared to surgical restorations of the ankle.
In cases where surgery is recommended, a small incision in the back of your lower leg is made and the tendon is stitched together, repairing the tendon. In some cases, this repair is reinforced with other tendons as well to strengthen the ankle and leg. Afterward, there is a period of rest and rehabilitation, though most patients are able to return to regular activity within four to six months.
