The Achilles is the largest tendon in your body, making it prone to injury and damage. New York City podiatrists Les J. Glubo, DPM, FACFAS, and Dawn Olsen Figlo, DPM, diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries at Grand Central Foot Care in Midtown East and Murray Hill in New York City. For the highest-quality care in Achilles tendon injuries, call or book an appointment online.
Achilles tendinitis is a painful condition that develops when the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone becomes inflamed. Your Achilles tendon helps you walk, run, jump, and stand on your tiptoes.
Pain at the back of your ankle or bottom part of your calf may be a sign of Achilles tendinitis or another tendon injury. Fortunately, the team at Grand Central Foot Care can effectively treat Achilles tendinitis to get you back on your feet within several weeks.
The Achilles tendon is built to endure great stresses from running and jumping. But this heavy physical demand also leaves the Achilles tendon prone to injuries from overuse and degeneration.
In addition to tendinitis, the following conditions may affect your Achilles tendon:
Tendinosis involves non-inflammatory degeneration of the Achilles tendon, while tendinitis causes inflammation. Unlike tendinitis, tendinosis may take several months to treat.
A tendon rupture occurs when the Achilles tendon tears either partially or completely. This can result from an acute event, such as a fall, or worsen over time. Damaged Achilles tendons that don’t receive treatment may lead to chronic ruptures.
Your podiatrist begins by thoroughly examining the affected ankle and reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They may use an imaging test, such as an in-office ultrasound, to diagnose your Achilles tendon injury.
Then, they work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your particular condition and lifestyle demands. Depending on the type and severity of your tendon injury, treatment may begin with in-office padding and strapping to immobilize your ankle.
The team at Grand Central Foot Care offers controlled ankle motion walkers for you to take home and has connections with the best physical therapists in the area.
In case the combination of ankle immobilization and physical therapy doesn’t relieve your condition, your podiatrist may recommend additional treatment, such as MLS® laser therapy or foot surgery.
If you have foot or ankle pain, don’t hesitate to call Grand Central Foot Care or book an appointment online.
