Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Achilles Tendinitis

When we think of the word Achilles, we often think of the heel – or someone’s vulnerability. Did you know that it comes from Greek mythology, where the important war hero, Achilles, was shot in the heel with an arrow and ultimately taken down? He was said to be invulnerable in all his body, except his heel.

It seems appropriate then, that the largest tendon in the body that allows us to walk and run is called the Achilles tendon. It is also interesting that while it is strong and essential to convenience in our daily lives, it is vulnerable to inflammation and degeneration. This is called Achilles Tendinitis and it results from repeated stress and overuse of the tendon. Some common causes are: sudden increase in exercise (especially very intense exercise) and extra bone grown where the tendon meets the heel bone.

You may have Achilles Tendinitis if:

  • There is pain in the back of the heel after long periods of rest (sitting or sleeping).

  • Pain in the Achilles tendon after exercise.

  • The tendon is swollen and stays swollen.

  • You have pain due to extra bone growth (bone spur)

There are many options for treatment such as:

  • NSAIDs – Ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce swelling and pain.

  • Physical Therapy, strengthening, and stretching – PT can help to relax the tendon and strengthen muscles around the tendon to support it.

  • Orthotics – Shoes with heel supports can reduce physical irritation of the tendon, which may already be inflamed.

  • Extracorporeal shockwave therapy – ESWT may help stimulate the healing process of Achilles Tendinitis.

  • Surgery – There are many surgical options that can be undertaken if nonsurgical treatment doesn’t help improve symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms, come see our board-certified doctor in Crofton, MD as soon as possible. Dr. Brad Toll of Crofton Podiatry will assess your condition and offer treatment solutions that fit you best. Leaving these symptoms untreated can lead to more severe pain and issues later on. Make an appointment with us today by calling our office at (410) 721-4505.

 

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed