Achilles Pain Specialist

What causes Achilles pain?

Your Achilles tendon is a thick band of connective tissue that connects your calf muscles to your ankle. While this rope of connective fibers is strong, you put significant stress on it every day as you stand, walk, and run. As a result, your Achilles tendon is vulnerable to a variety of injuries, including:

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an inflammatory condition that’s usually caused by repetitive strain. It causes pain and stiffness in your ankles and legs. 

Your pain becomes more severe when you move your foot and ankle. The condition often leads to bone spur growth.

You’re more likely to develop this condition if you suddenly increase the intensity or duration of your workouts. Your risk of Achilles tendinitis rises if you are overweight, wear inappropriate footwear while exercising, or have flat feet. 

Achilles tear

You can partially or completely tear your Achilles tendon. 

An Achilles tear usually causes a popping or snapping sound and sensation, along with immediate pain in your heel or the back of your leg. Your ankle swells and becomes stiff, and walking is painful and difficult. 

Sometimes called a rupture, this injury is typically the result of excessive, repetitive stress on your ankle and feet. Your risk of an Achilles tear increases if you play a sport that requires rapid changes of pace or direction.

How is Achilles pain diagnosed?

Your Achilles tendon is critical to your ability to stand and move, so if you suspect an injury or have Achilles pain make an appointment at Active Rehab Clinics immediately. As with many repetitive strain injuries, the earlier you seek treatment, the better. 

Active Rehab Clinics provides thorough physical exams and uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including Physimax functional movement assessments and Optojump gait analysis. Your provider might also recommend an X-ray or MRI to confirm your diagnosis. 

How is Achilles pain treated?

Active Rehab Clinics creates a customized treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your Achilles pain. 

While a minor injury may improve with rest and ice, your provider might also suggest physical therapy or functional medicine to rehabilitate your Achilles tendon and the other muscles and connective tissue in your lower leg, ankle, and foot.

Active Rehab Clinics also offers Plantiga AI orthotics. This innovative treatment protocol uses advanced technology to scan your foot and analyze your gait, which helps create a highly customized orthotic shoe insert. 

Call Active Rehab Clinics or make an appointment online today for expert, customized treatment for Achilles pain.