Treating 2 Types of Achilles Tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, and it needs to be because of all the force it handles when you move, run, jump and push off your foot. Even though it’s very strong, the stress it regularly endures can cause problems, and one of the most common issues that develops is called tendonitis. Tendonitis occurs when the fibers that make up the tendon become inflamed, irritated or damaged. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the problem of Achilles tendonitis, and how the team at The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics can help you treat the condition.

Achilles Tendonitis Forms

Achilles tendonitis develops in two different forms depending on where along the tendon the inflammation arises. Here’s a look at both forms of tendonitis.

1. Insertional Achilles Tendonitis - Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the lower portion of your Achilles tendon where it connects to the heel bone. It tends to develop as a result of genetic issues, like flat feet or abnormally tight leg muscles, or because a person regularly wears high heels or other footwear that puts heightened pressure on the tendon. This type of Achilles tendonitis can develop in any patient, regardless of age or activity level, but it tends to affect active adults who put repetitive stress on the Achilles. Bone spurs are oftentimes present in this type of tendonitis.
2. Non-Insertional Achilles Tendonitis - This type of tendonitis refers to Achilles inflammation that develops in the middle fibers of the tendon. It typically occurs as a result of repetitive stress or strain on the area, and results in swelling, soreness and pain. Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis is more common in young, active adults, especially if they are athletes that don’t take a lot of time off between sports.

Treating Achilles Tendonitis

Treating Achilles tendonitis will follow a similar protocol regardless of what form you’re dealing with, but it will vary a little and it’s in your best interest to seek an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan from a physician who can observe your condition in person. The most common forms of treatment for both forms of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Rest
• Physical Therapy
• Footwear changes
• Activity modification
• Cold Therapy
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications

For patients dealing with insertional Achilles tendonitis, here’s where care may vary slightly. If tendonitis is caused by or worsened by genetic factors, like a flat foot or gait style, orthopedic inserts can help to provide support and shift how pressure is dispersed on your foot and Achilles tendon as your walk. Your treating physician may recommend a specific type of orthotic insert based on their understanding of the forces being applied to the tendon.

Achilles tendonitis typically responds very well to conservative treatment, but if treatment fails or inflammation leads to a rupture, surgery may be performed. We can walk you through the specifics of the procedure should it come to this point, or you can learn more about minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair on this page.

So if you are dealing with pain or soreness in your calf or heel area, especially if it worsens with activity, pick up the phone and contact the team at The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics today at (703) 584-2040 to put an end to your discomfort.