| Shepherd Square Podiatry, PA |
Dr. Anthony Lamarra, DPM Associate, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons |
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2621 S. Shepherd, Ste. # 220 Houston, TX 77098 Phone: (713) 942-7700 Fax: (713) 529-6527 Email: info@doclamarra.com |
| Shepherd Square Podiatry - Dr. Anthony Lamarra, DPM - Phone 713-942-7700 - Fax 713-529-6527 Email info@doclamarra.com Copyright 2009 |
Achilles Problems
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of
1,000 pounds or more. But it also the most frequently ruptured tendon.
Both professional and weekend athletes can suffer from Achilles tendinitis, a common
overuse injury and inflammation of the tendon.
Events that can cause Achilles tendinitis may include:
Hill running or stair climbing.
Overuse resulting from the natural lack of flexibility in the calf muscles.
Rapidly increasing mileage or speed.
Starting up too quickly after a layoff.
Trauma caused by sudden and/or hard contraction of the calf muscles when putting out
extra effort such as in a final sprint.
Achilles tendinitis often begins with mild pain after exercise or running that gradually
worsens. Other symptoms include:
Recurring localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours
after running.
Morning tenderness about an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon
is attached to the heel bone.
Sluggishness in your leg.
Mild or severe swelling.
Stiffness that generally diminishes as the tendon warms up with use.
Treatment normally includes:
A bandage specifically designed to restrict motion of the tendon.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Orthoses, which are devices to help support the muscle and relieve stress on the
tendon such as a heel pad or shoe insert.
Rest, and switching to another exercise, such as swimming, that does not stress the
tendon.
Stretching, massage, ultrasound and appropriate exercises to strengthen the weak
muscle group in front of the leg and the upward foot flexors.
In extreme cases, surgery is performed to remove the fibrous tissue and repair any tears.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of
1,000 pounds or more. But it also the most frequently ruptured tendon.
Both professional and weekend athletes can suffer from Achilles tendinitis, a common
overuse injury and inflammation of the tendon.
Events that can cause Achilles tendinitis may include:
Hill running or stair climbing.
Overuse resulting from the natural lack of flexibility in the calf muscles.
Rapidly increasing mileage or speed.
Starting up too quickly after a layoff.
Trauma caused by sudden and/or hard contraction of the calf muscles when putting out
extra effort such as in a final sprint.
Achilles tendinitis often begins with mild pain after exercise or running that gradually
worsens. Other symptoms include:
Recurring localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours
after running.
Morning tenderness about an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon
is attached to the heel bone.
Sluggishness in your leg.
Mild or severe swelling.
Stiffness that generally diminishes as the tendon warms up with use.
Treatment normally includes:
A bandage specifically designed to restrict motion of the tendon.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Orthoses, which are devices to help support the muscle and relieve stress on the
tendon such as a heel pad or shoe insert.
Rest, and switching to another exercise, such as swimming, that does not stress the
tendon.
Stretching, massage, ultrasound and appropriate exercises to strengthen the weak
muscle group in front of the leg and the upward foot flexors.
In extreme cases, surgery is performed to remove the fibrous tissue and repair any tears.