For athletes, any injury to the foot or ankle can be debilitating, taking you off the court or the field until you can find effective relief. One of the most common athletic injuries is Achilles tendon pain. The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, making it essential not only for exercise but simply for walking around. Any Achilles tendon injury can make it all but impossible to walk like normal.

Thankfully, with the right diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to experience lasting relief from any Achilles tendon injury. RNV Podiatry is pleased to provide treatment for patients in the Prosper, TX community and beyond.

What Is an Achilles Tendon Injury?

The Achilles tendon stretches down the back of the leg, connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. An Achilles tendon injury usually occurs due to Achilles tendinitis, a condition involving inflammation and small tears to the tendon. When left untreated, this condition can cause the tendon to deteriorate and, in some cases, to rupture.

Achilles tendon injuries are common among athletes, especially runners, and may result from any activity that places significant and regular strain or pressure on the tendon.

Diagnosing Achilles Tendinitis

To receive treatment for Achilles tendinitis, the first step is to pursue a full diagnosis. At RNV Podiatry, the diagnostic process usually involves a physical examination from Dr. Rachel N. Verville, along with medical imaging and an assessment of your personal health history. Based on this information, Dr. Verville will provide a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options.

At RNV Podiatry, we provide our patients from Prosper, TX with treatments that are tailored to their needs and designed to get them back to full mobility as quickly as possible. When treating an Achilles tendon injury, we focus both on rehabilitation and on preventing the risk of reinjury.

Treating Achilles Tendon Injuries

Treatment for an Achilles tendon injury will always be based on range of motion, flexibility, alignment, reflexes, and other factors. While the specific treatment plan can vary from patient to patient, some of the most common options include:

Icing the Injury and Resting

Sometimes, the most effective way to mediate tendon inflammation is to use ice and cold compresses and take a few days of rest. Avoiding overuse is essential for rehabilitating the Achilles tendon.

Wearing Compression Bands

Another way to keep inflammation in check is to wear a compression band, which helps ensure healthy blood flow to the injured area.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Oral medications are often effective for keeping inflammation in check and can be taken with some of the other available treatment options.

Stretching Exercises

Incorporating stretching exercises into your daily routine can not only expedite recovery but potentially help to lower the risk of re-injury.

Orthotic Devices

The use of an orthotic device can promote recovery and ensure healthy posture, strengthening your Achilles tendon to promote mobility.

Surgery

While surgical intervention is seldom needed to resolve an Achilles tendon, it may be an option should more conservative options prove insufficient.

Choosing Dr. Rachel N. Verville, DPM, PA

Patients in the Prosper, TX community entrust their Achilles tendon care to Dr. Rachel N. Verville, a Board-certified foot surgeon. She is passionate about building solid relationships with her patients and providing treatments that promote healthy and active lifestyles.

Dr. Verville has performed over 1,500 elective and traumatic foot and ankle surgeries. She enjoys providing patient education, and she is an active member of the American Association for Women Podiatrists and the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Verville is pleased to offer diagnoses and treatments for various conditions, including Achilles tendon injuries.

Schedule Your Achilles Tendon Consultation

An Achilles tendon injury can compromise your mobility and take you off your feet, but with the right care, full recovery is achievable. For personalized treatment in the Prosper, TX area, schedule a consultation with RNV Podiatry today. Make your appointment online or contact our office directly at (214) 385-8822.