Treating Achilles Tendon Injuries
Explore comprehensive treatments for Achilles tendon injuries at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, from initial RICE methods and physical therapy to advanced options like PRP injections and surgery—ensuring faster recovery and reduced pain for all injury severities.
Treatment for Achilles tendon injuries varies by severity and type, but early intervention is key to preventing chronic issues. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, our podiatrists tailor plans to your needs, combining conservative care with advanced techniques for optimal recovery and return to activity.
Initial At-Home Care: The RICE Protocol
The foundation of Achilles tendon injury management starts with self-care to minimize inflammation and promote healing:
- Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate pain, such as running or jumping, to give your tendon essential recovery time.
- Ice: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes several times daily to ease swelling and discomfort.
- Compression: Use a bandage or brace for support, ensuring it's snug but not restrictive to avoid circulation issues.
- Elevation: Raise your leg above heart level on a pillow during rest or sleep to drain excess fluid and reduce swelling.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Options like ibuprofen can curb pain and inflammation, but consult a healthcare provider first due to potential side effects.
When to Seek Professional Care
If pain or swelling doesn't improve with RICE, prompt evaluation is crucial. Our specialists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists perform thorough physical exams and may recommend an MRI to gauge damage and customize your treatment. Delaying care can prolong recovery or lead to complications.
Immobilization for Protection
For moderate injuries, immobilizing the ankle with a cast, walking boot, or brace stabilizes the tendon, preventing further strain while healing begins. This approach typically lasts 4-6 weeks, depending on your progress.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Once acute pain subsides, physical therapy plays a pivotal role in restoring function. A therapist will guide you through progressive exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility, tailored to your injury.
Eccentric Strengthening Exercises
Eccentric loading, like controlled heel drops (standing on a step and slowly lowering one heel), is highly effective for tendon repair. These exercises lengthen the muscle under tension, stimulating collagen production and resilience—perform under guidance to avoid overload.
Supportive Aids: Orthotics and Heel Lifts
Custom orthotics redistribute pressure, while heel lifts (small inserts raising the heel 1/4-1/2 inch) shorten tendon stretch during movement. These simple modifications enhance comfort and prevent recurrence, especially for active individuals.
Advanced Regenerative Options: PRP Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses your blood's growth factors, injected into the tendon to accelerate tissue repair. It's a minimally invasive choice for persistent tendinopathy, often yielding results in 4-6 weeks with fewer risks than surgery.
Surgical Interventions
Reserved for partial/complete tears or failed conservative treatments, surgery repairs the tendon, debrides damaged areas, or reconstructs if needed. Post-op rehab ensures strength gains, with most patients resuming normal activities in 3-6 months.
Your Path to Full Recovery
Regardless of your injury's extent, a personalized plan from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists maximizes outcomes. Early consultation ensures the right blend of therapies, helping you heal stronger and safer. Contact us today for an assessment and step toward pain-free mobility.
Outline
Summary
- Initial treatment emphasizes the RICE protocol—Rest to avoid aggravation, Ice and Compression to reduce swelling, Elevation for fluid drainage—supplemented by NSAIDs for pain relief, always under professional guidance.
- If symptoms persist, seek expert evaluation at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, potentially involving physical exams or MRI to assess injury severity.
- Immobilization via casts or walking boots protects the tendon, allowing initial healing without strain.
- Rehabilitation includes physical therapy with eccentric strengthening exercises, orthotics, and heel lifts to restore flexibility, strength, and alignment.
- For chronic or severe cases, options like PRP therapy promote natural healing, while surgery repairs tears or removes damaged tissue when conservative methods fail.
