Achilles Tendon Injuries: What You Need to Know

Your Achilles tendon helps you perform all kind of basic movements such as walking, running, climbing stairs, or standing on your tip-toes. This long and somewhat springy band of tissue stretches from your heel to your lower calf muscles, and is one of the strongest and most resilient tendons in your body.

However, like any other muscle, it can be prone to injury, especially if you lead a very athletic lifestyle. So how can you tell whether or not you’ve injured your Achilles tendon? And how does it feel when it has been injured? Below are some of the most common symptoms that indicate an Achilles tendon injury.

  • You might feel a dull or throbbing pain when standing on your toes or stretching your ankle. If you’re suffering from tendinitis in the Achilles tendon, this pain tends to start out mild and then increases gradually over time, but if the tendon has been ruptured, you will feel a sharp, stabbing pain that may be very severe.
  • Swelling is also a common symptom. If you’re not sure whether or not your Achilles tendon is swelling, try comparing it to the tendon in your other leg and see if it looks noticeably bigger.
  • You might experience stiffness that will make movement difficult, especially any quick or abrupt motions.
  • Sometimes people hear a snapping or popping sound at the time of the injury. This will definitely require the attention of a podiatrist.
  • You might find it very difficult to flex your foot up or down.
  • Sometimes the tendon will be very tender or sensitive to the touch.

If you suspect you might have injured your Achilles tendon, be sure to consult with a professional podiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Your podiatrist will perform a thorough physical exam of the area in order to determine the extent of the injury, so that you can receive proper treatment and/or rehabilitation as needed.

Dr. Titko, an avid runner, helps you maintain optimum foot health; extending your running season and minimizing injuries.

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