Expert Care for Achilles Tendinitis and Rupture at Austin Foot & Ankle Center
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It is the powerhouse behind your ability to walk, jump, and run. Despite its strength, it’s susceptible to injuries such as tendinitis and rupture due to the immense force it endures. At Austin Foot & Ankle Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions to help you maintain your mobility and active lifestyle.
Causes of Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon withstands forces up to 10 times your body weight during activities like running and jumping. Combined with the foot and ankle’s ability to adapt, these forces can lead to partial tears, complete ruptures, or chronic tendinitis.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Achilles Tendinitis: Characterized by pain upon waking or after long periods of rest, and discomfort during physical activity. Chronic cases may show nodules where the tissue is damaged.
- Insertional Tendinitis: Focal pain at the tendon’s insertion, potentially with ossification. Haglund’s deformity and retrocalcaneal bursitis can also occur, causing further discomfort.
Diagnosing Achilles Tendon Injuries
Our approach to diagnosis combines a thorough review of your symptoms with a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be utilized to assess the injury’s severity, offering a clear picture of the tendon’s condition.
Advanced Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the injury’s severity and the patient’s specific needs, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical intervention:
- Conservative Treatments: Initial management may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and custom orthotic devices. These nonoperative methods aim to reduce symptoms and promote healing.
- Surgical Repair: In cases where symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or in the event of a tendon rupture, surgical repair may be necessary to restore the tendon’s function.
- Advanced Laser Therapy: We are proud to offer advanced laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that accelerates healing and reduces pain. Professional athletes favor this state-of-the-art therapy for its effectiveness in treating tendon injuries without surgery.
Take Action to Heal Your Achilles Tendon
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendinitis or suspect a rupture, prompt attention from a foot and ankle specialist is crucial. At Austin Foot & Ankle Center, our team is equipped with the expertise and advanced treatment options to guide you through recovery and get you back to your active lifestyle.
Don’t let Achilles tendon injuries hold you back. Contact Austin Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule your consultation. Our dedicated specialists are ready to provide you with the care you need for a swift and effective recovery. Let us help you take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your mobility.
