
Preventing and Treating Achilles Tendinitis: What Every Athlete Should Know

At the Apple Podiatry Group, with four Texas locations, Jarna Rathod-Bhatt, DPM, and Rahul Bhatt, DPM, provide expert care for athletes and couch potatoes alike who suffer from Achilles tendinitis.
Here, they explain what you need to know about managing Achilles tendonitis and preventing it from returning.
Diagnosing Achilles tendinitis
Symptoms your podiatrist looks for include:
- Noticeable tenderness and swelling
- Varying degrees of achiness, from mild to severe
- Persistent pain centered at the back of the heel
- Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
Achilles tendonitis is painful and can restrict your mobility.
Preventing Achilles tendinitis Recurrence
There are many self-care tips you can take to help prevent this condition in the first place. These include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Shedding excess pounds can reduce your risk of Achilles tendinitis. Adhere to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and regular exercise regularly.
Addressing flat feet
If you have flat feet, consider getting custom orthotics to improve your foot alignment and gait.
Choosing proper footwear
Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can contribute to Achilles tendinitis. Invest in well-constructed footwear appropriate for your activity or sport.
Avoiding overexertion
Always warm up and ease in physical activity.
Checking the effect of medications
Certain antibiotics may increase the risk of Achilles tendinitis. Discuss potential alternatives with your doctor to avoid Achilles-related complications.
Some risk factors like age and gender (84% of cases are in men) are beyond your control, but following these steps can help prevent Achilles tendonitisIt's worth noting that by averting Achilles tendinitis recurrences.
It’s crucial to address Achilles tendinosis to prevent the condition from worsening or evolving into an Achilles tendon rupture.
Podiatric treatments for Achilles tendinitis
The podiatrists at Apple Podiatry offer a full range of treatment options to alleviate Achilles tendinitis discomfort. These include:
- Custom-made orthotics
- Nighttime splints.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Home stretching exercises
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
If conservative treatments are ineffective, Achilles tendon surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves the removal of damaged tissue, grafting connective tissues, and other necessary repairs. Following recovery, patients can enjoy an active life, free from pain and movement limitations.
For Achilles tendinitis and all your foot care needs, contact our office closest to you by phone or online. We have locations in Arlington, Fort Worth, and Flower Mound, TX.
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