Achilles Tendonitis

Up to 10% of runners, dancers, and athletes develop Achilles tendonitis, a painful condition characterized by heel and calf pain. At Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the providers specialize in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis. They offer both minimally invasive and surgical treatment options. To make an appointment today, call the office in New York City, or click the online booking feature.

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis occurs when your Achilles tendon –– a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your calf muscles –– becomes swollen or inflamed. At first, you might only experience heel or foot pain during exercise, but as the condition worsens it might affect your mobility and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Heel pain
• Pain or swelling that’s worse during exercise
• Discomfort at the back of your heel
• Warmth around your heel
• Difficulty standing on your toes

You might also experience a limited range of motion that affects your ability to flex your foot.

What causes Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis occurs for various reasons, including:

• Wearing high heels or other uncomfortable shoes for extended periods
• Exercising without warming up
• Playing sports that require frequent pivots or changes in direction
• Suddenly increasing your exercise routine

You’re also more likely to experience Achilles tendonitis if you run long distances or up hills.

How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?

At Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates, the providers diagnose Achilles tendonitis by reviewing your medical records and asking about your symptoms, including when they started, where the pain is, and if it’s worse when working or exercising.

Next, your provider examines your heel and Achilles tendon, looking for swelling, redness, or bruising. They assess your range of motion and evaluate the alignment of your foot and ankle. They also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI, to get a better look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How is Achilles tendonitis treated?

Treatment of Achilles tendonitis depends on various things, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your mobility. 

The expert providers at Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates often recommend conservative and minimally invasive treatments, including:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Ice and heat therapy
• Physical therapy
• Elevating your foot to reduce swelling
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Wearing custom orthotics
• Wearing more comfortable shoes

If these treatments don’t provide relief and your symptoms continue, surgery might be necessary. Depending on your needs, surgery might involve repairing your tendon, removing bone spurs, or lengthening your calf muscles.

Make an appointment today at Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates, to learn more about the treatment options for Achilles tendonitis. Call the office or click the online booking feature.