If you have Achilles tendon pain, then you might have a bigger problem than you realize. Achilles Tendonitis is a serious problem, since the Achilles tendons are the bands of tissue that connect the heel to the rest of the leg. This is what is responsible for the walking and running motion of the leg and the foot working together. However, when a problem arises, it can be a very painful condition to deal with. Swelling and pain in the back of the heel and ankle can make it very troublesome to get around. So it's important that you see a podiatrist in your area of San Antonio in order to remedy the situation
The skilled foot doctors in San Antonio, Texas are experienced in the area of taking care of Achilles Tendonitis, and can provide you with the relief you need as soon as possible. A variety of relief options are always available from South Texas podiatrists, so you don't have to feel like you're being railroaded into only one kind of treatment option.
The first and most important step is to obtain an accurate assessment and diagnosis. Acute Achilles tendonitis that may occur after overuse or change in activity can be self limiting and amenable to home treatment with ice, rest and massage. If there is bruising or swelling noted or if the pain persists then seek professional care. Partial tears of the Achilles can be diagnosed in minutes with diagnostic ultrasound (sonography). Dr. Ed Davis, a podiatrist in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio utilizes high resolution ultrasound in the office.
Many of the more popular treatment methods include, but are not limited to:
Massage: the massaging of the tendon can help to relieve the pain and swelling that you are experiencing. Coupled with a cold or hot compress for fifteen to twenty minutes each day should provide some relief and help the tendons to relax.
Physical therapy: seeking the counsel of a professional physical therapist should be sought if the pain of Achilles tendonitis has lasted longer than two weeks. Certain exercises can be provided in order to minimize the pain you experience and show you an alternate way of performing your favorite exercises in order to reduce or eliminate the pain.
Different exercises -instead of exacerbating the problem by doing the same exercise routine, consider changing the exercises altogether and giving your tendons a break. Eccentric stretching is one of the more successful exercise for Achilles tendonitis.
Stretching beforehand - you can prevent the injury of Achilles tendonitis by strengthening the tendons before you engage in exercises. Doing stretches before and after exercising can help to loosen them help and prevent 'locking up' to minimize your chances of experiencing pain. A large number of patients are predisposed to Achilles tendonitis due to a tight gastrosoleus-Achilles complex, that is the combination of the Achilles tendon and muscles that create the tendon.
Tougher cases of Achilles tendonitis, especially longstanding cases may be amenable to advanced treatment modalities such as ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy), stem cell injections, platelet rich plasma or other regenerative technologies. ESWT is a non invasive, office based treatment, in which sonic pressure waves are applied to diseased tendon leading to long term healing. Dr. Davis first introduced ESWT to his San Antonio podiatry practice in 2008 but used the modality in the Seattle area since 2002.
Don't allow Achilles tendonitis to ruin your life and prevent you from doing the things you love. Dr. Ed Davis, South Texas Podiatrist, is always eager to help you with your painful problems, and can recommend to you the best means of providing relief from the pain.
If you are currently suffering from symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis, such as swelling, pain, and redness to the area of the heel, then feel free to call Dr. Ed Davis DPM in order to schedule an appointment. Relief for the pain in your tendons can be as simple as one phone call away.
Dr. Davis is a Foot & Ankle specialist and Podiatrist, serving the 78258 San Antonia area. Request your appointment today!
