You may have seen a player getting escorted off the field at a sporting event due to an injury. If the injury was a torn Achilles tendon, you know how bad it can be. That athlete is most likely being taken to surgery to repair the tear. He won’t be playing for months while it heals. If you’re active and begin to feel pain in the back of your ankle, visit Dr. Velimir Petkov, DPM, for Achilles tendonitis treatment. Your podiatrist can begin a program of rehabilitation. If you have pain, see a foot doctor before you get carted off on a stretcher in extreme pain. Call Clifton, NJ podiatrist’s office for an appointment, even on short notice.
The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel. Tendonitis occurs from overuse. Runners who suddenly increase the intensity of their runs are at particular risk of developing Achilles tendonitis. Middle-aged athletes who only work out on the weekends may be at risk of injuring the tendon.
Tendonitis is painful and mobility-limiting. You can treat your pain with conservative lifestyle treatments and over-the-counter medication. Your Northern New Jersey podiatrist at Premier Podiatry provides you with a set of exercises, stretches, and other modification recommendations that help you heal your tendonitis.
When the band of tissue doesn’t respond to these simple modifications, or if your Achilles tendon ruptures, you may need more drastic intervention in the form of surgery. When you’re at this stage, you want to rely on a top-rated foot specialist such as Dr. Velimir Petkov for your minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair. He keeps you informed of your options before beginning any treatment. Dr. Petkov performs tendon surgery so you can resume your regular exercise routine as soon as possible.
When Do I Need Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery?
Tendonitis becomes noticeable when you experience mild discomfort on the back of your leg above your ankles. Your pain increases after running or doing physical activity. The area just behind your ankle becomes inflamed. The pain may extend down to your aching heel. The ankle pain becomes more severe after climbing stairs or sprinting. The only way you may find relief is with rest.
When the severe pain doesn’t subside, it’s a clue that you may have experienced a ruptured tendon. You need immediate medical care. If the tear is bad enough, you won’t be able to walk on that foot. Your podiatrist determines whether you need Achilles tendon surgery. An alternative plan is a long-term treatment protocol to repair the Achilles tendon.