Achilles Tendonitis Specialist
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Performance Footcare of New York, PC
Bryon Butts, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY & New Hyde Park, NY, Lake Success, NY
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that’s especially common in athletes. If you regularly experience heel or ankle pain and it doesn’t respond to conservative, at-home treatments, don’t wait to seek professional help. At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, board-certified podiatrist Bryon Butts, DPM, uses cutting-edge treatments like radial shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to relieve pain caused by Achilles tendonitis. To make an appointment at the practice in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, or Lake Success, New York, call the nearest office today or schedule online.
Achilles Tendonitis Q & A
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is a wear-and-tear injury that causes your Achilles tendon –– a thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone -– to become inflamed. Anyone can develop Achilles tendonitis, but it’s most common in runners and middle-aged people who play sports.
Most cases of Achilles tendonitis resolve on their own and respond to at-home treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If you tear or rupture your Achilles tendon, minimally invasive procedures like surgery may be necessary.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Stiffness near the back of your heel
- Pain that worsens with exercise or physical activity
- Swelling
- Thickening of the Achilles tendon
- Difficulty placing weight on the affected tendon
As the condition progresses, you might also experience bone spurs –– small calcium deposits that develop on the edge of your heel bone.
What causes Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis occurs as a result of repetitive motions. You use your Achilles tendon whenever you walk, run, jump, or stand on your toes. Over the years, these and other activities cause your Achilles tendon to weaken and develop small tears, making it more susceptible to injury.
How is Achilles tendonitis diagnosed?
To diagnose Achilles tendonitis, Dr. Butts reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities like running or exercising make them worse.
Next, Dr. Butts physically examines your feet, ankles, and tendons. During the exam, he gently presses on the affected area to determine the source of the pain, tenderness, or swelling. He also evaluates your ankle’s range of motion, strength, and alignment.
If Dr. Butts is unable to make a diagnosis following an exam, he might order additional tests like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI.
How is Achilles tendonitis treated?
At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, Dr. Butts offers a variety of advanced treatments for Achilles tendonitis. He might recommend:
- Radial shockwave therapy
- Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT therapy)
- In-office physical therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
If your symptoms fail to improve or they worsen, Dr. Butts might recommend surgical intervention. Specifically, he might recommend a minimally invasive procedure with TENEX®.
TENEX repairs damage to your Achilles tendon using small, specialized tools. The process is quick, virtually pain-free, and results in little downtime.
To receive treatment for Achilles tendonitis, make an appointment at Performance Footcare of New York, PC, by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.
