Achilles Tendon Specialist
If you’re active in sports or spend a lot of time on your feet, you may be at increased risk for developing painful Achilles tendon injuries. At One Oak Medical, with offices in Staten Island, New York and Paramus, Wayne, Middletown, Point Pleasant, and Clifton, New Jersey, Dr. Homam Badri and Dr. Ahmad Badri provide effective surgical and nonsurgical treatments to alleviate chronic pain caused by Achilles tendon injuries. Schedule a consultation by phone or use the online booking feature to learn more.
Achilles Tendon Q & A
What is the Achilles tendon?
Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and lets you walk, jump, and run. While designed to withstand a lot of pressure and stress, the Achilles tendon is still prone to injury. Injuries include tears and ruptures that cause severe pain and disability.
What happens when the Achilles tendon ruptures?
If your Achilles tendon ruptures, it means the tendon that connects your calf muscles and heel bone tears and separates. This separation is often the result of participation in sports and most often affects people between the ages of 30 and 50.
You can also experience a rupture in your Achilles tendon by:
- Running on hard surfaces or uphill
- Starting and stopping activity too quickly
- Abruptly changing speeds from walking to running
What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture?
If you rupture your Achilles tendon, you may hear a noticeable pop or snapping sound. Other symptoms of a rupture include severe pain, swelling, or discoloration in the back of your ankle. A visible gap in the back of the ankle where the tendon separates is also possible.
What other injuries can happen to the Achilles tendon?
Besides tendon tears and ruptures, your Achilles tendon is at risk for developing pain and inflammation as the result of overuse. This condition is known as Achilles tendinitis and is common among athletes and anyone who puts a lot of stress on their feet and ankles. Tendinitis can also be the result of flat arches, bone spurs, or tight calf muscles.
What treatments are available for Achilles tendon injuries?
Dr. Badri determines if you have an Achilles tendon injury through a physical evaluation and imaging tests. He may initially recommend rest and ice therapy to reduce tendon inflammation and pain. You may also need physical therapy to improve your ankle strength and increase your mobility.
Depending on the severity of your injury, Dr. Badri may recommend a cast that keeps your foot and ankle immobile, allowing your tendon to heal on its own. If this isn’t possible, Dr. Badri may perform surgery to repair the tendon and resolve your pain.
To learn more about available Achilles tendon diagnostic and treatment options, schedule an appointment online or by calling One Oak Medical.
