Does the back of your heel hurt when you climb stairs? Do you feel a stiffness, burning or throbbing behind your heel or in your calves? It could be Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition affecting the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the back of the heel. This tendon is an important component of the calf musculature, which plays a crucial role in walking, running and sporting activities. Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon is subjected to repeated and excessive loads, which can lead to tendon degradation and inflammation. In addition, this problem can be observed in people who lift heavy loads, such as construction workers, letter carriers and delivery people. Repetitive motion while driving, as in the case of bus or truck drivers, can be a trigger for Achilles tendonitis. Sometimes, poor posture or misalignment of the feet can be the cause.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include pain and stiffness along the tendon, as well as soreness that may occur during exercise and subside afterwards. In severe cases, pain can make walking and sporting activities difficult or impossible.
Assessment
Your podiatrist will perform a complete clinical examination. A questionnaire will be asked about your physical activities. In addition, your podiatrist will be interested in the type of footwear you are wearing or have worn in the weeks leading up to the development of the problem. The most commonly used medical imaging for Achilles tendon evaluation is ultrasound, which is offered directly at the clinic by your podiatrist. What’s more, at Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we’re equipped with a computer-assisted gait analysis pressure mat and cameras to obtain a precise assessment of your biomechanics.
Treatment
Treatment of Achilles tendinopathy depends on the severity of symptoms. Options include stretching, modifying or reducing activity, using devices such as ankle braces and splints, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace the damaged tendon. Achilles tendonitis can also affect athletes, developing through overuse or incorrect movement. Our podiatrists can advise you on choosing the right footwear and adopting proper running techniques. They will be able to deal with the problem so that you can get back to your daily activties as quickly as possible. It’s important to take this injury seriously, as it can take a long time to heal if not treated properly.
