Achilles tendonitis is most commonly a repetitive strain injury (which causes a lot of pain and is therefore a good candidate for surgery). It can also occur if someone: unexpectedly increases his or her exercise too quickly. The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis can also be similar to those of other lower-back injuries, such as whiplash and spinal stenosis.
Achilles tendonitis can be either acute or subacute. Acute injuries usually last only a few days, while subacute injuries may be painful or can linger for months. The severity of Achilles tendonitis depends on how the condition develops. Sometimes it manifests itself in the form of a painful swelling around the lower leg and foot that tend to decrease with time. In other cases, it will manifest itself as thickened tissues in the heel or ankle.
There are three types of treatment for Achilles tendinitis, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The first is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The second type of treatment is steroid injections. Finally, a surgery called a levator cuff release may be performed.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not suitable for the long-term use. They may reduce the symptoms but can also cause serious side effects, such as liver damage or ulcers. In addition, they often have a short-term effect on the condition, as well. Steroid injections may help with the swelling but are not actually treating the problem.
A corticosteroid injection into a bursa around the heel or ankle is a more effective treatment method. But as with all injections, the process can lead to temporary relief from the pain of Achilles tendonitis. Over time, your body can become used to the injections and thus take longer to heal, thus the pain may become worse and longer lasting.
If you experience severe pain in your foot or ankle and it does not go away after two weeks, you should see your doctor. He can run tests to diagnose the root cause. condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections. Your doctor will explain in detail the difference between the two options. Before starting treatment, it is important to discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of each of these methods.
If you have chronic tendonitis, you may need tendon repair surgery. The procedure may include tendon replacement surgery, as well as manipulation, traction, or electrical stimulation. For mild to moderate tendinitis, surgery may be sufficient. In more severe cases, you may need to undergo other treatments, such as physical therapy.
There is no cure for Achilles tendonitis. Treatment involves reducing inflammation. This can be done by reducing the weight you carry, limiting the time you spend on hard surfaces, lifting the heel of your shoe, stretching, wearing supportive stockings, resting your feet, or reducing the severity of symptoms. If you've already had surgery to remove a tendon, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.
If you have a chronic medical condition, you may need to use the bandage for several months. after operation. Your doctor will advise you if you need a bandage or splint.
Another form of treatment for Achilles tendonitis is called plantar fasciitis. It can be caused by repetitive trauma to the foot, especially on the outer side of the heel. This can be caused by running or jumping, especially when standing on uneven surfaces. Plantar fasciitis often occurs on one or both heels, causing pain and swelling in the lower part of the foot.