Foot and leg injuries can come in many forms, and if they’re moderate or serious, pain and inflammation are the most obvious symptoms. Some injuries can occur suddenly and quite violently, while others develop over time. If you’re suffering from bad pain in the back of your lower leg, an Achilles injury may have occurred.
These are relatively common when playing sports and engaging in other high-intensity activities. Learn more about Achilles injuries, their symptoms, and when you should talk to your foot doctor Boca Raton.
Understanding the Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is a thick and resilient band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the bottom of the heel bone. It’s the most active tendon in the body, especially when engaging in sports that include running, jumping, pivoting, and other intense movements on the feet. Unsurprisingly, Achilles tendon injuries are often seen by your foot doctor Boca Raton.
Whenever the calf muscle is flexed, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel. This happens normally when walking, running, and jumping. Despite it being the largest and strongest tendon found in the human body, injury can occur. High tension on the tendon can result in tears and other injuries. These become more common with age or in people who are poorly conditioned for physical activity. Injuries can also occur when physical limits are reached. If you try to overperform your ability or physical condition, you’ll be at high risk of developing an injury.
Below we will cover the most common forms of Achilles injury that you can have treated with your foot doctor Boca Raton.
Tendon Tear
Small tears in the Achilles tendon can develop over time. If you regularly exercise or engage in sports, you are at risk of developing this type of injury. Tears may also occur suddenly if you overstress your Achilles tendon.
Symptoms that indicate a tendon tear include:
- Pain when moving or resting.
- Swelling.
- Difficulty walking and standing.
Tears can be healed and you can get back to peak physical condition quickly if you talk to your foot doctor Boca Raton as soon as symptoms occur.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A complete rupture of the tendon is the most extreme form of Achilles injury. This injury occurs suddenly, during physical activity. In most cases, the tendon will make a popping or snapping sound, indicating a serious problem.
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:
- Immediate and severe pain felt in the back of the lower leg.
- Stiffness at the back of the heel.
- Bruising and inflammation.
- Limited mobility.
Treatments with your foot doctor Boca Raton will vary depending on your age, the severity of the rupture, and your response to early treatment. Depending on your unique condition, treatment can include immobilization of the lower leg, right through to surgery in the worst cases.
Tendinopathy
The most common forms of tendinopathy are Achilles tendinitis and Achilles tendinosis.
Tendinitis is caused by frequent activity. The common symptoms include:
- Inflammation.
- Pain.
- Stiffness.
Treatment is usually simple but healing can take time. Tendinitis can take weeks to heal with rest, icing, compression, and elevation. Therapy may be required to get back to peak condition.
Tendinosis is a thickening of the tendon which can occur with age or frequent activity. The most common symptoms include:
- Stiffness.
- Pain when engaging in physical activity.
- Inflammation and tenderness around the ankle and lower leg.
- Moderate pain in the morning when standing and walking for the first time.
Although the tendon thickens with Tendinosis, it also weakens. This can increase the risk of developing tears and ruptures. If you are experiencing symptoms of either tendinitis or tendinosis, contact your foot doctor Boca Raton and schedule an examination.
Visit a Talented Foot Doctor
Foot and ankle pain should never be ignored. Even in mild cases, a more serious underlying problem could be developing. Losing mobility can prevent you from enjoying the things you love. If you frequently play sports or enjoy regular exercise, you need to keep your Achilles tendon healthy and strong.
At the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, you can rely on specialty services from the most talented foot doctors Boca Raton. Whether it’s pain, inflammation, or even a loss of normal movement that you’re suffering from, we have the team and treatment options that will get you back into prime condition.
Contact us now to schedule your appointment.
