Achilles Tendinitis Treatment Miami, FL
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel. This tendon allows you to walk, run, jump, climb stairs, and stand on your toes. Overuse or repetitive stress can lead to irritation, microtears, and swelling, causing pain and limiting movement.
Causes
Achilles tendinitis can result from:
- Overuse or repetitive stress
- Degeneration of the tendon with age
- Sudden increases in physical activity
- Tight calf muscles
- Bone spurs or extra bone growth at the heel
- Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or infection
Types of Achilles Tendinitis
1. Insertional Achilles Tendinitis:
- Affects the lower portion of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone
- Often associated with bone spurs
2. Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinitis:
- Affects the middle portion of the tendon
- Tiny tears occur within the tendon fibers, causing swelling and thickening
- More common in younger, active individuals
Symptoms
Common signs of Achilles tendinitis include:
- Pain or stiffness along the tendon
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
- Discomfort at the back of the heel
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Tight calf muscles
- Warmth over the heel and limited foot flexion
If untreated, Achilles tendinitis can lead to:
- Severe pain and difficulty walking or exercising
- Deformity of the tendon or heel bone
- Partial or complete tendon rupture
Diagnosis
Your doctor will:
- Examine your calf, heel, foot, and ankle
- Palpate the tendon to locate tenderness
- Ask about activity level and injury history
Imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:
- X-rays: Check for bone spurs or calcification
- MRI scans: Evaluate tendon degeneration or tears
- Ultrasound: Detect inflammation or tendon damage
Treatment
Treatment depends on severity and may include conservative care or surgery.
Conservative Care
- RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Medications: NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
- Injections: PRP injections may be considered
- Braces or Orthotics: Reduce tendon strain
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended if conservative therapy fails after 6 months or if tendon damage is significant. Options include:
- Debridement and Repair: Remove damaged tissue and stitch the healthy tendon
- Debridement with Tendon Transfer: Replace damaged tendon with another tendon if >50% of the Achilles is affected
- Gastrocnemius Recession: Lengthen the calf muscle to reduce strain on the tendon
- Direct Repair or Suture Techniques: Small incisions to stitch torn fibers together
Recovery:
- Recovery may take weeks to months depending on the severity and procedure
- Physical therapy is important to restore strength, flexibility, and function
Risks and Complications:
- Infection, slow wound healing, nerve or soft tissue damage, bleeding
Why Choose Dr. Alejandro Pino
Dr. Pino specializes in state-of-the-art tendon repair techniques that minimize incision size while providing secure, strong repair of the Achilles tendon. His approach allows for faster recovery and earlier return to activity. Dr. Pino tailors treatment to each patient's activity level-whether you are an athlete, weekend warrior, or someone whose work requires physical activity-ensuring optimal outcomes and restoring function safely.
