Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the longest in the human body, it is the thickest, and it connects the calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. The connection is the reason you’re able to extend your foot and point your toes to the floor. This powerful tendon is susceptible to overuse, especially by athletes. The condition is called Achilles tendonitis. The doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group are here to help you reduce your risk of injury.

Preventing overuse injuries

There are ways to reduce your risk for injury while playing sports. From your shoe choice to intensity level, follow these tips:

  • Gradually increase your physical activity level; listen to your body
  • Stretch before and after exercising
  • Alternate activity levels, from high impact to low impact
  • Wear properly fitting shoes with cushioning

Treating overuse injuries

Healing takes time, so don’t expect an overnight recovery. Allow your body to rest and recover and avoid returning to normal activities too soon. The top treatment goal is to reduce the swelling of the tendon and reduce the pain that comes along. Here are some activities that can help:

  • Participating in physical therapy
  • Wearing a brace or cast for stability
  • Cold compression therapy
  • Resting

After exploring treatment options, surgery may be the next step if symptoms worsen or stay the same. Stay in contact with your podiatrist to provide updates on your symptoms.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.