What is Achilles Tendinosis?
The Achilles tendon connects the back of your heel bone to your calf muscles. When that tendon becomes inflamed, it can start to tear and, ultimately, degenerate. This is what’s known as Achilles Tendinosis, a chronic condition caused by microtears in the tendon.
Here’s how Achilles tendinosis occurs as well as the treatment options for this painful ankle condition.
Is My Ankle Pain Achilles Tendinosis?
Achilles tendinosis is an overuse ankle injury seen in our Eagle and Summit County runners. This is because Achilles tendinosis typically develops as a result of calf tightness or Achilles tendinitis, which impacts blood flow to the tendon.
People with Achilles tendinosis often report the following symptoms:
Deep, aching pain in the Achilles tendon
Sharp, knifelike pain in the Achilles tendon
Achilles tendon pain while at rest
Visible swelling and thickening of the Achilles tendon
Achilles pain while walking after a period of rest
Achilles pain while barefoot or wearing flats
It’s important to note that Achilles tendinosis is not the same as Achilles tendinitis. Tendinitis is considered acute, meaning it’s the result of an injury, while tendinosis is a chronic problem produced by the thickening of the tendon. However, sometimes patients with untreated Achilles tendinitis can transition into Achilles tendinosis.
While the exact cause of Achilles tendinosis is unknown, there are risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing this long-term, degenerative condition. These are:
Increasing your running distance too quickly
Lower leg problems
Diabetes
Obesity
Wearing improper or poor footwear
Training on hard surfaces
Male runners between the ages of 35-45
If left untreated, Achilles tendinosis can cause a complete Achilles tendon rupture.
Do I Need Surgery for Achilles Tendinosis?
Diagnosing Achilles tendinosis is done through a combination of conversation, physical exam, and imaging tests.
Conversation: Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will ask you questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
Physical Exam: Dr. Elton and his team will manipulate the foot and ankle, paying special attention to the Achilles tendon and surrounding muscle.
Imaging Tests: If Dr. Elton suspects you are suffering from an Achilles tendon injury, he will order an X-ray and/or MRI to check for tissue damage, calcifications in the tendon, and bone spurs.
Discomfort caused by Achilles tendinosis can be treated conservatively with ice and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, this will not effectively treat the tendinosis on its own. Depending on the patient and the extent of the tendinosis, Dr. Elton may recommend:
Shoe inserts
Physical therapy
A dedicated stretching program
Platelet-Rich-Plasma injections
Although most cases of Achilles tendinosis can be treated nonsurgically, sometimes surgery is needed to repair the damaged tendon tissue. The success rate for Achilles tendinosis surgery is between 80-90 percent, with the majority of patients gaining total relief.
Finding an Achilles Tendinosis Doctor
Dr. Elton is known throughout Colorado’s Western Slopes for his expertise in treating Achilles tendinosis and other ankle conditions. If you’re looking to diagnose your ankle pain, contact Dr. Elton and his team today!
Located in three convenient clinics in Eagle County and Summit County, getting care for your Achilles Tendinosis has never been easier. Contact our offices today at (970) 476-7220 or via our online appointment platform to schedule a consultation.