Achilles Tendinitis Home Treatment – Tips From Respected Orthopedic Specialists in Arlington, VA
A common overuse injury, Achilles tendinitis affects the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles in the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. Used when walking, running and jumping, the Achilles tendon endures significant stress and pressure during both athletics and everyday activities.
The symptoms of Achilles tendinitis can include heel pain, stiffness and swelling along the Achilles tendon, thickening of the tendon and intensified pain the day after exercising. While anyone can develop this type of injury, middle-aged weekend warriors who occasionally play demanding sports—such as basketball and tennis—are especially susceptible.
At-Home Remedies for Achilles Tendinitis
The foot and ankle specialists at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia, often recommend RICE therapy for Achilles tendinitis home treatment, which includes:
- Rest – Avoid using or putting weight on the injured leg as much as possible.
- Ice applications – Apply a cold pack to the painful area for up to 20 minutes at a time as needed.
- Compression – Wrap an elastic bandage around the injured lower leg and ankle to reduce swelling, promote blood flow and provide support.
- Elevation – While lying down, use pillows to raise the injured leg above heart level to reduce swelling.
Additionally, an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can be taken as needed to relieve painful swelling. Always follow the instructions on the label.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Mild to moderate discomfort caused by Achilles tendinitis may resolve on its own, but a physician can suggest an individualized self-care regimen to accelerate the healing process. This may include gentle stretches and exercises and/or a heel lift. Additionally, it’s important to see a physician if the symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of home treatment.
On the other hand, a ruptured Achilles tendon is a serious injury that warrants prompt medical attention and may require surgical repair. Sometimes, a tell-tale snapping or popping sensation occurs in the back of the calf at the time of the injury, which is immediately followed by intense pain directly above the heel. The pain can make it difficult or impossible to push off the injured leg to walk.
Depending on the severity of the Achilles tendon injury, the recovery process can take several days, weeks or months. It’s important to ease back into normal activities to reduce the risk of further injury. Pain flare-ups are common and should never be ignored. Instead, it might be necessary to step back a bit to allow for full and proper healing.
At Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, we help many professional and recreational athletes get back on their feet. If you would like to learn more about Achilles tendinitis home treatment, contact us at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist at our office in Arlington, VA.