An Achilles tendon injury can make simple activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs extremely painful. At St. Louis Foot & Ankle, our experienced foot and ankle specialists diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries with personalized care designed to relieve pain and restore mobility.
If you are experiencing heel pain or suspect an Achilles injury, call (314) 596-9670 today to schedule an appointment.
What Is an Achilles Tendon Injury?
The Achilles tendon is the large band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a crucial role in walking, running, jumping, and standing on your toes.
An Achilles tendon injury occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed, strained, partially torn, or completely ruptured. These injuries are common among athletes but can affect anyone who suddenly increases activity levels or experiences trauma to the lower leg.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent long-term damage and restore proper function.
Common Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injuries
Achilles tendon injuries can range from mild irritation to severe tears. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the back of the heel or lower leg
- Stiffness in the tendon, especially in the morning
- Swelling around the heel
- Difficulty pointing the foot downward
- Pain when walking, running, or climbing stairs
- A popping sensation at the time of injury (possible rupture)
If you experience sudden severe pain or hear a popping sound in your heel, seek medical care right away.
Causes of Achilles Tendon Injuries
Several factors can contribute to Achilles tendon damage, including:
- Sudden increases in physical activity
- Sports that involve jumping or quick direction changes
- Tight calf muscles
- Poor footwear or lack of support
- Overuse from repetitive motion
- Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
- Aging or tendon degeneration
Our specialists at St. Louis Foot & Ankle perform thorough evaluations to identify the underlying cause of your injury.
Achilles Tendon Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Our podiatry team may recommend:
Conservative Treatments
Many Achilles tendon injuries improve with non-surgical care, such as:
- Rest and activity modification
- Custom orthotics
- Immobilization with a boot
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Ice therapy
Advanced Care
For severe injuries or tendon ruptures, additional treatments may be needed, including:
- Regenerative therapies
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical tendon repair
Our goal is to reduce pain, promote healing, and help you safely return to normal activity.
Preventing Achilles Tendon Injuries
You can reduce your risk of injury by:
- Warming up before exercise
- Gradually increasing activity levels
- Wearing supportive shoes
- Stretching your calves regularly
- Avoiding sudden bursts of intense activity
If you notice persistent heel pain, early evaluation can help prevent more serious tendon damage.
Schedule Achilles Tendon Treatment in St. Louis
Heel pain should never be ignored. The team at St. Louis Foot & Ankle provides expert diagnosis and treatment for Achilles tendon injuries so you can return to your daily activities comfortably.
Call (314) 596-9670 today to schedule your consultation and get relief from Achilles tendon pain.