Top 4 Signs of Achilles Tendinitis

Starting the New Year on two strong feet is a big step for healthy living. After all, it’s hard to keep up with those resolutions to exercise more if you’re struggling with Achilles pain. Your Achilles is a tough tendon, but it does develop problems sometimes. The key is knowing when those problems are small and will go away on their own, or when they’re signs of Achilles tendinitis that will need more care.

Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse issue for athletes and nonathletes alike. Too much strain and stress aggravates the connector, irritating the tissue so it thickens and stiffens. It also becomes more painful to use and may not stretch as easily. It’s a progressive problem, so it does need treatment to restore your foot to full health. That’s why recognizing the signs of Achilles tendinitis is so important.

Here are a few symptoms that show you should be getting your Achilles checked:

• An ache behind the heel or ankle – You’ll notice pain at the back of the foot, either where the tendon attaches to your heel bone or slightly above that point.
• Pain that worsens after activities – Using your Achilles aggravates the irritated tendon even more, so you’ll notice more pain when you’ve been active.
• Swelling in the tendon – The back of your foot may feel or appear swollen.
• Stiffness in the tendon – Your Achilles will feel tight and stiff, not stretching as far as it normally can.

Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury that can make walking, much less that New Year’s exercise plan, more painful and difficult for you. Recognizing the signs of Achilles tendinitis is key to getting the problem treated and eliminated as soon as possible. Let our team at Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper help you determine if your back-of-the-foot pain is Achilles tendinitis or not. You can reach our Jasper, IN, office for an appointment today by calling (812) 481-7200. Don’t walk into the new year with pain; get help and relief now!