Achilles Tendon Pain (Achilles Tendonitis)

Overuse of the thick Achilles tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel, can lead to inflammation and pain. This is known as Achilles Tendonitis. Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists are experts in the treatment of Achilles Tendonitis.

Types of Achilles Tendonitis

There are two types of Achilles Tendonitis that can result in pain.

• Insertional Achilles Tendonitis occurs when the lower part of the tendon (near where it connects to your heel) becomes inflamed, irritated, and painful.
• Noninsertional Achilles Tendonitis affects the fibers in the middle part of the tendon and is common amongst young active people and athletes. 

What Causes Achilles Tendonitis? 

Achilles tendonitis is most commonly caused by exercise, including walking. Rheumatoid arthritis or an infection may also cause pain in the Achilles tendon.

Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis in Ohio

In many cases, treatment for Achilles tendonitis will involve non-surgical treatments. These may include anti-inflammatories, rest, physical therapy, the use of specialized inserts (orthotics), and topical pain relievers.  Injectable anti-inflammatory medication may also be used for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis in Ohio.

If you require a more intensive therapy to treat Achilles tendonitis, Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists may recommend a non-invasive procedure such as the Topaz Procedure, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

The Topaz Procedure for severe Achilles tendonitis is a state-of-the-art procedure that uses radiofrequency to break up scar tissue.  The Topaz Procedure can be performed within minutes, and typically leads to a quick return to normal activities. 

ESWT is a non-invasive treatment for chronic Achilles Tendonitis that has progressed to Tendinopathy. Tendinopathy simply means that the injury is ongoing and has failed to heal via other treatments. 

During ESWT (also known as shockwave therapy), our experts at Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists will use a non-invasive therapeutic machine to send kinetic energy to the tendon.  There is no cutting, or stitching required. It is used in conjunction with physical therapy and other conservative treatments to promote healing.