How To It is possible to identify Achilles Tendinitis.
The largest part of the human body, the Achilles tendon, is affected by the condition.It can cause pain in the back of your leg.A bone spur, an increase in the duration or intensity of exercise, and tight calf muscles are some of the common causes of Achilles tendinitis.If you identify the symptoms and get proper treatment, you can prevent and relieve the condition.
Step 1: Be aware of your risk.
Doctors know that certain factors can increase your risk of having problems with this condition.Being aware of your risk can help you treat it effectively.Middle-aged people are more likely to have the disease.Flat arches, tight calf muscles, and overweight people can put more strain on your ankle.Running in worn out shoes increases your risk.Cold weather and running on hilly terrain can increase your risk.Medical conditions such as diabetes and high-blood pressure can increase your risk of developing the disease.Taking the antibiotic fluoroquinolone may increase your risk.
Step 2: Pick out potential symptoms.
There are a lot of different symptoms that can range from mild to severe.Identifying potential symptoms can help you get treatment as soon as possible.You may experience pain in the morning.It is possible to experience pain along the back of your heel that becomes more severe with activity.You may experience a lot of pain the day after you exercise.You may experience swelling throughout the day.You may be able to see that your leg is not straight.A bone spur is a projection that comes off of your foot.
Step 3: It's a good idea to feel for swelling on your ankle.
Swelling and other growths can be a sign of an injury.It is possible to feel your heel area with your hand.If you feel a swelling or a thickness of the tendon, gently touch it.You can feel the spurs at the back of your heel by using your fingers.You should consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
Step 4: Pain and mobility issues can be observed.
You should pay attention to your body for any pain that is present along your Achilles tendon or in the heel area, if you are experiencing problems moving this region.If you have these symptoms, you should be treated to prevent further pain.It is possible to have mild to severe pain.Depending on the location of the tendinitis, some points may be more tender than others.It is possible that you have a limited range of motion in your ankle area.
Step 5: You should see your doctor.
If you find any of the signs or symptoms of Achilles, you should see your doctor.Getting a medical diagnosis early can help you get the treatment you need.You can see your regular doctor or visit an orthopedist, both of whom specialize in treating disorders such as Achilles tendinitis.Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for signs of Achilles tendinitis and will also likely ask for a health history, including factors such as what type of activities you do.
Step 6: Take the symptoms with you to your doctor.
Once you have described your symptoms, your doctor will check for signs.The doctor may be able to diagnose the problem with a simple exam.Your doctor can check for swelling at the back of your foot.She may look for an increase in the size of your tendon.Your doctor can look for spurs near the base of your tendon.Your doctor may want to know what the point of maximum tenderness is.The range of motion in your ankle can be tested by your doctor.She will look at your ability to flex your foot.
Step 7: You should get tests and a diagnosis.
After your physical exam, your doctor may order tests if he suspects that you have a problem.Your doctor can use these tests to make a treatment plan.
Step 8: You can either have an X-ray or an MRI.
The doctor may not be able to diagnose the problem with her hands.She may order an x-ray to make sure your symptoms are related to the injury.It is possible for your doctor to see exactly where the problem area is on your leg if you have an X-ray showing the inside of your foot.This can help her come up with a treatment plan.Your doctor may order an x-ray that requires you to sit still while a technician takes pictures of your leg and heel.This will allow you to better see the bones of your foot and leg.You will need to lie inside of a large scanner for a few minutes if your doctor orders an MRI.If you have damage to your tendon, an magnetic resonance image can show how bad it is.If you have a severe case of Achilles tendinitis, an MRI is not necessary.
Step 9: Get treatment.
Depending on the severity of your case, your doctor may prescribe a course of treatment.Most cases of Achilles tendinitis don't require surgical treatments, but there are different options that range from pain relief and immobility to surgery.It may last for more than three months with early treatment for pain.It may take six months for you to notice that treatment methods are working, if you waited for several months before seeing a doctor.
Step 10: Rest your feet.
Your doctor can prescribe resting or switch activities.Lower impact activities can help heal your tendinitis.If you do high-impact activities such as running, your doctor may suggest changing.If you want to stay active, you can try biking, walking, or swimming.Your doctor may suggest that you rest for a while.
Step 11: Ice should be applied to the area.
You can use an ice pack on the painful area.It can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.Do not apply the ice pack to your skin if you wrap it in a towel or cloth.For 20 minutes at a time, you can use an ice pack.Remove the pack if it is too cold or numb.
Step 12: Take pain medication.
As instructed by your doctor, consume pain killers as needed.Pain and swelling may be alleviated by these medications.Take over-the-counter pain killers.Some of the swelling may be alleviated with the help of Ibuprofen and naproxen.
Step 13: Consider other options.
If your injury is severe, your doctor may prescribe additional, more involved treatments such as injections, surgery, or physical therapy.Some pain relief can be provided by these.Strengthening and stretching exercises may be included in physical therapy.Your doctor may give you injections if your tendinitis is more severe.This isn't a common treatment and could cause a serious injury.It is possible to relieve pain and heal the condition with certain supportive shoes and devices.After six months of non surgical treatment, your doctor and you should consider surgery such as debridement and repair to fully treat the condition.