Achilles Tendon Injuries

March 11, 2019
2 min read

Achilles tendon injuries such as tendonitis are common in athletes. This important tendon connects the back of the heel to the calf, and though it is short, it is strong.

The Achilles tendon propels you forward with every step you take. Since the average person walks about 5,000-7,000 steps a day, that’s 5,000 times a day the tendon come under stress. If you overdo it, the tendon can become inflamed and very painful.

Achilles Tendinitis

Overuse injuries are the most common cause of Achilles tendinitis. For instance, athletes who run frequently without proper rest are at high risk. Weekend warriors, who may not exercise much during the week, are also susceptible to these injuries.

If you have Achilles tendinitis, you’ll feel pain in the back of your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning and with activity as the day goes on. It will become progressively worse and more inflamed as the day goes on, causing more pain.

If you feel this pain, it’s important to give your ankle time to rest and reduce inflammation, a process that can take four or five weeks. You should immobilize the ankle, take inflammatory medicines and use massage to give the tendon the chance to heal.

Ruptured Achilles Tendon

Without the proper healing time, you are at a high risk of Achilles tendon rupture. If you do experience a rupture, you will hear a loud pop. You won’t be able to put weight on your foot and may even e able to feel a gap in the back of the heel by the bone.

Ruptured tendons almost always require surgery to reconnect the tendon to the bone. Because the Achilles tendon has a very low blood supply, recovery after surgery is a very long process, taking months to complete.

Your ankle will need to be immobilized for weeks after surgery, and you’ll need physical therapy to help rebuild strength safely once you can move the ankle again.

Whether you had a rupture or tendinitis, you can avoid injuries in the future by properly stretching both before and after exercise. Wearing supportive shoes is also important to take stress off of the tendon. And above all, always take it slow when starting a new exercise regimen.

About the author

Nelson G. Keller, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Nelson G Keller, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the State University College at Buffalo with a degree in Biology and received his Podiatric medical degree in Cleveland Ohio. He was the recipient of many awards and scholarships and spent time teaching anatomy. Dr Keller completed a three year surgical residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery with specialized training in diabetic wound care and limb salvage at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, with rotations through Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Keller was recognized in the “TOP DOCS of the DECADE” issue of Hampton Roads magazine. He is board certified in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Keller has extensive experience in reconstructive Foot and Ankle surgery, in addition to 20 years of wound care experience. He is an active lecturer and participates in medical research.

Dr. Keller provides MLS Laser Therapy to his patients. MLS Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment modality where light is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing and soft tissue repair. Our laser is the only multi-wave locked system, dual wave, fully robotic laser therapy system on the market. This means deeper penetration with no heat produced allowing faster healing with no known side effects. It has been cleared by the FDA since 2009.

View all posts