Achilles Injury

Is there more than one type of Achilles injury?

Yes. The Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute team treats several types of Achilles injuries, including:

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes your Achilles tendon to become irritated or inflamed. It commonly affects runners and athletes but can also affect people who work jobs that require lots of standing on hard surfaces.

Achilles tendon strains

An Achilles tendon strain is a minor injury to your Achilles tendon. Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to the bones in your feet, helping you to walk and run. It’s incredibly tough but susceptible to general wear-and-tear. 

Tendon ruptures

An Achilles tendon rupture causes your Achilles tendon to partially or completely rupture (tear apart). This type of injury is very painful and often requires surgery.

How does a foot and ankle specialist diagnose an Achilles injury?

Your Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your heel, ankle, and lower leg for bruising and swelling. They gently press on your heel and calf to identify sensitive areas and feel for a gap or tear in your tendon.

Your provider might also ask you to lie down on your stomach with your feet hanging over the exam table. If they squeeze your foot and your Achilles tendon doesn’t flex automatically, it indicates a tear or rupture.

If these tests can’t confirm the severity of the Achilles injury, your provider orders an MRI or an ultrasound to get a closer look at your Achilles tendon and the surrounding soft tissues.

How does a foot and ankle specialist treat an Achilles injury?

The Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute team treats Achilles injuries using a conservative and evidence-based approach. They might suggest:

• Using crutches to take pressure off the tendon
• Applying ice to the back of your foot
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Wearing a walking boot to protect your tendon while it heals

If your symptoms continue or worsen, you might benefit from tendon repair surgery. During surgery, your provider uses surgical instruments to sew your tendon back together and prevent further damage.

Call the nearest Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute office today to schedule treatment for an Achilles injury, or book your visit online.