If you experience pain, tenderness or inflammation of your heel you probably have Achilles tendonitis. A doctor can do a physical examination to determine if you indeed have Achilles tendonitis. The doctor will take a medical history, complete a physical examination, and may take x-rays or blood work to rule out other medical causes of the symptoms. A Thompson test is done to detect rupture of the Achilles tendon. A MRI may be ordered to detect partial tendon rupture or degenerative tendon changes.
The treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Physical activity that produces pain should be ceased immediately. RICE is used if the injury is minor. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. The individual needs to stay off their feet as much as possible while the tendon heals. Apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first day or two in order to reduce the inflammation. Compress the ankle and foot with firm but not tight ace wrap or elastic bandage, and then elevate the foot whenever it is possible to do so in order to help reduce the swelling. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be used in order to reduce the pain, and inflammation.
If the injury is severe additional treatment such as surgery may be necessary. A flexible cast may be used to immobilize the foot and the individual will need to use crutches to stay off the foot. After the tendon is heeled the individual will be advised to learn strengthening exercises. Proper footwear is also a must after Achilles tendonitis.
If the tendon ruptures surgery is usually necessary to repair the tendon. Lengthy rehabilitation involving physical therapy is necessary to learn progressive strengthening exercises.
Proper conditioning of the body, proper footwear are the two most important things to do to prevent Achilles tendonitis. Another preventative is to warm up properly before exercising, and to stretch muscles and use strengthening exercises to build stronger muscles and tendons.
If you take good care of your Achilles tendonitis you will minimize the damage that can occur. It is important to know what first aid measures should be taken in the case of minor injuries like Achilles tendonitis. It is also important to know when it is necessary to seek medical attention (pain doesn’t subside or gets worse, unable to use foot, fever is present). It is important to follow all treatment plans and to take the time necessary to heal. If you do all you can to heal from your Achilles tendonitis and then to prevent it from happening again, you will be doing all you can to have healthy tendons.
If you experience pain, tenderness or inflammation of your heel you probably have Achilles tendonitis. A doctor can do a physical examination to determine if you indeed have Achilles tendonitis. The doctor will take a medical history, complete a physical examination, and may take x-rays or blood work to rule out other medical causes of the symptoms. A Thompson test is done to detect rupture of the Achilles tendon. A MRI may be ordered to detect partial tendon rupture or degenerative tendon changes.
The treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Physical activity that produces pain should be ceased immediately. RICE is used if the injury is minor. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. The individual needs to stay off their feet as much as possible while the tendon heals. Apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first day or two in order to reduce the inflammation. Compress the ankle and foot with firm but not tight ace wrap or elastic bandage, and then elevate the foot whenever it is possible to do so in order to help reduce the swelling. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be used in order to reduce the pain, and inflammation.
If the injury is severe additional treatment such as surgery may be necessary. A flexible cast may be used to immobilize the foot and the individual will need to use crutches to stay off the foot. After the tendon is heeled the individual will be advised to learn strengthening exercises. Proper footwear is also a must after Achilles tendonitis.
If the tendon ruptures surgery is usually necessary to repair the tendon. Lengthy rehabilitation involving physical therapy is necessary to learn progressive strengthening exercises.
Proper conditioning of the body, proper footwear are the two most important things to do to prevent Achilles tendonitis. Another preventative is to warm up properly before exercising, and to stretch muscles and use strengthening exercises to build stronger muscles and tendons.
If you take good care of your Achilles tendonitis you will minimize the damage that can occur. It is important to know what first aid measures should be taken in the case of minor injuries like Achilles tendonitis. It is also important to know when it is necessary to seek medical attention (pain doesn’t subside or gets worse, unable to use foot, fever is present). It is important to follow all treatment plans and to take the time necessary to heal. If you do all you can to heal from your Achilles tendonitis and then to prevent it from happening again, you will be doing all you can to have healthy tendons.