Achilles tendon pain is a common problem that affects more than one million Americans each year. If your pain interferes with your ability to work or exercise, don’t wait to seek professional help. At Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Maurice W. Aiken, DPM, offers several types of nonsurgical treatment for Achilles tendon pain, including Erchonia® cold laser therapy and amnio Fluid Flow™ therapy. To make an appointment at the practice in Dunedin, Florida, call the office today or schedule online.
Achilles tendon pain refers to any stiffness, aching, or general discomfort that affects your Achilles tendon, a band of thick tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone.
Most people who experience Achilles tendon pain achieve relief through at-home treatments like ice and rest. But if your symptoms last for several days or more, make an appointment at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon pain include:
As Achilles tendon pain worsens, you might also find it difficult to stand up or place weight on your affected foot and ankle.
Anyone can experience Achilles tendon pain, but there are several factors that increase your risk, including:
Your exercise habits can also increase your risk of Achilles tendon pain. For example, you’re more likely to experience tendon pain if you run or exercise in shoes that are worn-out.
To diagnose Achilles tendon pain, Dr. Aiken reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including their severity, and if any activities like exercising or standing for extended periods make them worse.
Afterward, Dr. Aiken physically examines your Achilles tendon. He gently presses on the back of your ankle to pinpoint areas of warmth, tenderness, or swelling. Then, he assesses the strength, range of motion, and flexibility of your foot and ankle.
If necessary, Dr. Aiken might order additional tests like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to rule out underlying issues like fractures or a dislocated joint.
At Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Aiken treats Achilles tendon pain with successful and effective non-surgical treatment options. He might recommend:
To receive comprehensive care for Achilles tendon pain, make an appointment at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the office today or booking online.