The only reason you can walk around at all is because of your Achilles tendon. It’s the largest and strongest tendon in your entire body, and it runs up the back of your foot from your heel to your calf muscle. Because this tendon is so big and so important, any injury to it can leave you unable to walk. The two most common injuries to this enormous tendon are Achilles tendonitis and rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Little Elm patients that are experiencing any kind of pain in their Achilles tendon should call Dr. Verville immediately at (214) 285-8822. Our comfortable and modern office makes our patients feel relaxed and at ease. Our highly-trained and friendly staff are always there to help you with anything that you need or answer your questions. Call us today at (214) 285-8822.

What’s the Next Step?

First of all, because of how critical your Achilles tendon is to your ability to walk and move around, you should call Dr. Verville at the first sign of trouble. Too often we see patients that waited to call us and their condition just worsens and ultimately becomes more costly.

Now, when you call us, you can expect to speak with one of our friendly staff. You’ll always be treated with respect and care whenever you call. From there, the next step is to get you in to see Dr. Verville for a preliminary consultation. This in-person meeting is where Dr. Verville will examine your Achilles tendon and also discuss your symptoms and learn more about your medical history.

After that, Dr. Verville will work with you to create a customized treatment plan. This plan is one of Dr. Verville’s best tools as she moves forward with your treatment and she will use it as a guide to making sure that you get the best possible outcome. Call our Little Elm area office to get started at (214) 285-8822.

Common Causes of Injury to the Achilles Tendon

Little Elm patients that do any kind of strenuous physical activity or exercise will push their Achilles tendon to its limit. There are a number of common causes of Achilles tendon injury.

  • Hill or stair climbing – In these sorts of exercises or activities, the Achilles tendon is put under enormous pressure and can sometimes rip or tear.
  • Fast stopping and starting – Sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis require athletes to quickly stop and start. Your Achilles tendon is one of the primary elements your body uses to change direction, and it puts huge stress on the tendon.
  • Not stretching – Getting your body warmed up before doing any kind of activity will allow it to perform better and avoid injury. Stretching out your Achilles tendon beforehand could help prevent injuring it.
  • Flat feet and bad shoes – If you aren’t wearing proper shoes or if you have flat feet, this can put added stress on your Achilles tendon.
  • Previous problems – If you’ve had Achilles tendonitis before where the tendon was damaged or inflamed, you have to be extra-cautious when exercising as the tendon can become reinjured.

During your appointment with Dr. Verville, she will conduct a full examination to figure out exactly where the injury is on your Achilles tendon. Little Elm patients will also get their reflexes tested, and Dr. Verville will check the range of motion in that foot, the flexibility of the tendon, and also its alignment. She may also take some imaging tests to get a better look at what’s going on inside.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Injuries

Little Elm patients have many treatment options for their Achilles tendon injuries, and Dr. Verville will discuss every single one of them with you.

  • Icing, compression, and elevation – Sometimes, all that’s required is a little icing and to elevate your foot. Compression bands can also be used to treat a damaged Achilles tendon.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication – Keeping the swelling down in your Achilles tendon will help it heal faster.
  • Orthotics – Custom-made orthotics can help relieve the pressure that your Achilles tendon is under and give your body a chance to recover.
  • Surgery and rehabilitation – Of course, in some cases, surgery is the best treatment option, and Dr. Verville will have a thorough discussion with patients who require that kind of procedure.

Little Elm patients having any kind of discomfort with their Achilles tendon, should call Dr. Verville at (214) 285-8822. Because of how important this huge tendon is to your daily life, you don’t want to risk further complications by ignoring it. Call today.