Achilles Tendinitis

About 24% of athletes develop Achilles tendinitis. At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC, serving the Denver metropolitan area, skilled osteopathic sports medicine physician Kevin O’Donnell, DO, and the rest of the staff offer holistic treatments for tendinitis to ease pain, restore ankle functioning, and provide the ability to resume sports training. Schedule an evaluation at Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon, which is a tissue band that connects your lower leg to your heel. This injury causes ankle pain and is common among runners, particularly those who suddenly increase the duration or intensity of their training. Treatment at Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC offers holistic healing and pain relief.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis can cause the following symptoms:

• Ankle or heel pain
• Mild aching in the lower leg above the heel
• Severe pain after sprinting, stair climbing, or prolonged running
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Irritation 
• Swelling around the affected tendon
• Leg weakness
• Pain that lessens with mild activity

You might experience more severe tendinitis discomfort after exercising or in the mornings, with minor improvements throughout the day. 

What are the risk factors for Achilles tendinitis?

Factors that increase the risk of Achilles tendinitis include:

• Overuse
• Being physically active
• Sports involving quick starts and stops
• Running
• Dancing
• Physically demanding jobs
• Bone spurs
• Weak or tight calf muscles
• Flat foot arches
• Overpronation of the ankles
• Abrupt, significant increase in exercise intensity or duration
• Aging
• Obesity
• Medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and psoriasis
• Poor-fitted shoes
• Colder weather
• Running on hilly terrain
• Some medications 
• Being male

Men have a higher risk of Achilles tendinitis than women.

How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?

To determine if Achilles tendinitis is the cause of your foot and ankle pain, your Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC expert examines your foot and ankle, discusses your medical history and symptoms, and orders an ultrasound, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or another imaging procedure. They customize a treatment that stimulates healing and provides long-lasting relief. 

How is Achilles tendinitis treated?

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC offers the following solutions to reduce Achilles tendinitis pain:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Heating pads
• Splinting, casting, or a boot
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy 
• Radial shockwave (EPAT)
• Focused shockwave therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy 
• Prolotherapy
• Bone and fat stem cell therapy
• Injections
• Massage
• Medications 

It’s also helpful to warm up and stretch properly before exercising, wear comfortable footwear, gradually increase the intensity or duration of workouts, and avoid running on uneven surfaces.

Schedule an evaluation at Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC by phone or request one online today to heal from Achilles tendinitis.