How do I know if my Achilles is ruptured?
An Achilles rupture is a serious injury that generally creates a lot of discomfort. Often you feel intense pain around your heel. Normally the discomfort is sudden and sharp; some people even hear a popping or snapping sound when it happens. The area around the torn tendon swells and might bruise. Your foot will feel weak and possibly loose. Typically you lose your ability to push off the ground effectively, making walking more difficult. You probably won’t be able to rise up on your toes at all, though you may still be able to point your digits somewhat. If you’re at all concerned that you may have ruptured your Achilles, don’t wait to find out or hope it will get better on its own. You risk trouble healing and chronic pain when you don’t take care of the problem right away. Dr. Darren Silvester and our team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic will help you diagnose the condition. Use our website or call our Pleasanton, TX, office at (210) 375-3318 to schedule a consultation. Is Achilles Tendonitis Preventable?
Preventing Achilles tendonitis may be possible if you take the right precautions. The key is how you condition your tendon. Begin any new activity slowly, so your Achilles can learn to adjust and accommodate the increased stress over time. Try cross-training with low-impact activities as well, to help your tendons build strength without the hard shocks. Make sure you wear supportive shoes that appropriately stabilize your arches and cushion your soles. You should also stretch and strengthen your calf muscles as part of your daily routine. First thing in the morning and after exercising, do wall or runner’s stretches to loosen your calves and manage your flexibility. Perform calf raises and other similar motions to help condition your tendons. If you do develop Achilles tendonitis, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Dr. Darren Silvester at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pleasanton, TX, for an appointment. Call (210) 375-3318 or use our website request form to reach us.
What are my Treatment Options for an Achilles Injury?
There are a variety of treatment options for Achilles injuries. The most effective one for you depends on your unique situation and the extent of your injury. For Achilles tendonitis, conservative therapies like rest, ice, and physical therapy exercises tend to work well. You will probably need to adjust your footwear to provide more support for your heel, and use a compression bandage to discourage swelling. You may still need anti-inflammatory medications to decrease the irritation in your tendon. A partial tear or a rupture will need more involved treatments. Most complete ruptures are surgically repaired and then immobilized for a period of time, followed with physical therapy to regain your strength and flexibility. Some partial tears can be managed conservatively, using immobilization and exercises to restore the foot. If you’re concerned about an Achilles injury, have it treated right away. Contact Dr. Darren Silvester at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic here in Pleasanton, TX, for an appointment by calling (210) 375-3318 or requesting it online.
