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Achilles Tendon

Achilles Tendon
While your Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body, it’s still vulnerable to injuries and wear and tear. At Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers, with locations in Columbus and Reynoldsburg, Ohio, David Kaplansky, DPM and Anthony Cozzolino, DPM, diagnose and treat Achilles tendon issues such as tendinitis and ruptures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common Achilles tendon problems?

Tendinitis and a tendon rupture are the most common Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a painful inflammatory condition. It’s common in runners but can affect anyone. When left untreated, Achilles tendinitis can become chronic and cause long-lasting mobility problems. You may develop Achilles tendinitis if you increase the intensity or frequency of physical activity too quickly. You may also develop Achilles tendinitis if you participate in a sport that has quick starts and stops like basketball or soccer. Your risk of Achilles tendinitis increases if you have tight calf muscles, flatfeet, or a prior Achilles tendon injury.

Ruptured Achilles tendon

An Achilles tendon rupture is an acute injury that tears the tendon, causing immediate and severe pain. In most cases, an Achilles tendon rupture occurs during athletic activities. Your risk of rupturing your Achilles tendon is higher if you run uphill or on hard surfaces, or if you play a sport with quick starts and stops.

Achilles tendinitis usually develops slowly and causes symptoms such as:

  • Pain in your ankle after activity
  • Weakness or stiffness in your leg
  • Ankle pain as you climb stairs
  • Swelling

A ruptured Achilles tendon is an acute injury, so you’ll hear a pop or snap when the tendon tears and immediately experience severe pain in the back of your ankle that interferes with your ability to walk. You’ll also develop swelling, bruising, and tenderness. A ruptured Achilles tendon also makes it impossible for you to stand on your toes and causes it to be very painful to flex or point your foot.

The podiatrists at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers diagnose Achilles tendon problems with a thorough consultation. After discussing your symptoms, they examine your ankle and move your foot to check for reduced mobility and range of motion. In some cases, your doctor may order an MRI to diagnose the severity of your injury.
Treatment for your Achilles tendon injury depends on its severity. In some cases, you may recover with rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and ice. Your podiatrist may also prescribe a splint or physical therapy. However, if you have a severe tear, your podiatrist might recommend surgery to repair the rupture.