Using Shockwave Therapy to Treat Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body and connects your calf muscles to the heel bone at the back of your lower leg. Achilles tendonitis is a painful inflammation of this tendon. You may feel a mild ache in that area after running or other workouts. The harder the workout, the higher your pain level will be.

Other symptoms include stiffness and tenderness in the morning, which improves with easy activity. Running on worn-out shoes can trigger a tendon problem and other injuries. If you have persistent pain in the Achilles tendon, especially any sudden and severe pain, it’s important to get it checked out ASAP to prevent permanent damage.

Treating Achilles Tendonitis

Tendonitis can be treated at home with the RICE method: Rest, ice the area, apply compression bandages, and elevate the leg. Over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications and prescription drugs can help ease the pain and reduce inflammation.

Custom orthotic inserts can elevate the heel to ease the strain on the tendon and help cushion the heel. Physical therapy strengthening and stretching exercises can promote healing of the Achilles tendon.

We’ve had great success with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in treating Achilles tendonitis. Shockwave therapy uses pulses of sound waves to increase blood flow to the injured area, promoting healing through the body’s processes. The procedure is performed right in our office with little downtime for patients.

Surgery to repair the tendon may be necessary if conservative methods and shockwave therapy have no effect.

Preventing Achilles Tendonitis

• Increase activity gradually.

• Warm up before exercise and sports activities.

• Stop and rest if pain develops.

• Invest in good footwear, including athletic shoes. Select styles with adequate cushioning and firm arch support. Replace shoes when worn out.

• Stretch the calf area every day and before and after exercise.

• Cross-train by alternating high-impact activities with swimming and cycling.

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.