The Achilles tendon is a long, thick cord of connective tissue that runs along the back of the leg, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Due to its size, location, and importance in mobility, it can experience a number of different symptoms, including:

• Aching or burning pain and stiffness
• Pain that gets worse with activity
• Pain the day after an activity
• A lump, bump, or knot on the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon
• Stiffness or tightness in the back of the ankle
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty flexing the foot
• Persistent swelling that worsens with activity

Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed from injury or repetitive use. Most commonly, tendonitis occurs in the elbow, ankle, shoulder, or neck area, but it can also affect the Achilles tendon. If left untreated, the pain can develop from minor and almost unnoticeable to debilitating and incapacitating.

Tendonitis cannot heal on its own, although it can heal naturally; its symptoms can dissipate with intentional rest and non-use of the inflamed tendon, but if appropriate care is not taken and day-to-day life continues as normal, it can prevent healing, resulting in chronic pain and persistent inflammation.

Natural remedies for tendonitis include ice, which can help reduce swelling in the area and may alleviate pain. Ice is often used in conjunction with elevating the affected area above the heart, which reduces swelling. If after a few days, the pain still persists, applying heat can also be beneficial for reducing pain and swelling. If these methods fail to provide relief, it is imperative to visit a pain management specialist as soon as possible.

Achilles tendon injuries are most commonly caused by repetitive or intense strain on the tendon and can occur from prolonged periods of physical activity, high-intensity activities, and improper form when performing certain movements. Like every other part of the body, the structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, potentially making it more susceptible to injury. In addition to this, there are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the development of an Achilles tendon injury, including:

• Gender; is more common in men
• Age; is common in older people
• Physical problems, like flat feet and obesity
• Training choices, including damaged shoes or equipment
• Medical conditions, including psoriasis or hypertension
• Medications, particularly antibiotics containing fluoroquinolone

If any of the aforementioned factors apply to your situation, you may be at higher risk of developing an Achilles tendon injury.

Diseases that affect the Achilles tendon include:

• Insertional tendonitis
• Non-insertional tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture (tendinosis)

If you are experiencing pain in your Achilles tendon, come to Living Well Healthcare for treatment today. Our medical professionals can improve your quality of life and help you recover more quickly from a tendon injury. Call us today to book an appointment with our Achilles tendon injury specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 270 West Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921. We serve patients from Elkton MD, Elk Mills MD, Fair Hill MD, Woodcrest Shores MD, North East MD, and Chesapeake City MD. We look forward to serving you!