Achilles Tendinitis: Causes and Treatments

Welcome to the latest episode of "Talking with Docs"! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Arora, an ankle and foot specialist, join us as a guest host alongside our regular hosts, Dr. Zalzal and Dr. Weening, to discuss Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the back of the ankle. This condition can be caused by overuse, injury, or a variety of other factors. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort in the back of your ankle, you won't want to miss this episode!

Dr. Arora shares her expertise on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Achilles tendonitis. She explains the importance of early recognition and diagnosis, and provides valuable insights on how to effectively manage the condition. Whether you're an athlete or someone who spends a lot of time on your feet, Achilles tendonitis can be a frustrating and painful condition. But with Dr. Arora's guidance, you'll gain a better understanding of the condition and learn how to effectively manage the symptoms.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

So, if you're looking for expert advice on Achilles tendonitis, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Hit the play button now to join us for this informative and engaging discussion with Dr. Arora, alongside our regular hosts Dr. Zalzal and Dr. Weening. #achillestendinitis #heelpain #plantarfasciitis #running #achillespain #sportsmassage #footpain #massage #podiatry #podiatrist #physio #physiotherapist #sportsinjuries #achillestendon #battersea #earlsfield #runniginjuries #putney #parismarathon #londonmarathon #itbfs #sportsnutrition #kneeinjuries #wandsworthtown #plantatfascitis #marathontraining #londonmarathontraining #carbloading #ukrunchatlondon #feet

[moerudyk]

I had the problem! I was 68 yrs old, it took almost 2 yrs to fix ! Now I do stair edge lifts to strengthen my Achilles and that's the remedy.

[luvmypugs]

That's exactly what I had. The doctor treating me did not have the correct diagnosis and I had a cortisone injection to the back of my heel. Not long after my Achilles tendon came right off the heel and I had to have surgery. Long recovery but all good now. Thanks for putting this out there, in hopes that someone else doesn't have to go through what I did Thank you!

[stephenw]

Had Achilles heel pain in both for about a year and was excruciating. Spent alot of money on physiotherapy which did nothing until i came across a vid on YouTube. Basically massaged my calves with a broom handle. Its was sore at first but felt tingling in my Achilles and pretty mush relieved Achilles issues immediately. After 3 weeks 3 times a day i haven't had the issue since.

[GreggBB]

Interesting condition. It's good to hear the non-surgical approaches have such a high success rate.

[brianwhite]

I had a Haglund's deformity and associated procedures done on 11/30/23 and I could not be happier!

[misszsazsa]

I’m so stressed after watching this video. I suffered from horrific pain from plantar fasciatis for years and was sent for custom orthotics. They did nothing to relieve the pain. Eventually, the pain moved to my Achille’s Tendon and I was sent for physio and shock wave therapy which I attended 3 times a week for 2 years with no relief. In fact, my mobility decreased the entire time. My GP insisted I just needed to persevere as tendon issues took longer to repair due to lesser blood supply to extremities (true fact). I was having pain in many other joints but doctor told me my condition was not arthritis related despite my mother having same issues when she was younger and being treated by a rheumatologist. I saw a Sports Medicine doctor against my GP’s wishes and was immediately referred to a clinic in TO where I received the REAL shock wave therapy (same machine used during lithotripsy) which was done as a last ditch resort to spare me surgery. It was unsuccessful so I was sent to a foot/ankle orthopaedic surgeon who did a full Achille’s reconstruction. He said he was shocked as he had never seen such damage before. The decrease in pain was dramatic but not complete and I continued to have pain in joints throughout my body. The cause of my Achille’s damage was eventually diagnosed as a type of Spondylitis, in my case primarily in all peripheral joints found in my arms, legs, feet, and ribs (not my SI joints). I now see a fabulous Rheumatologist who has me on a biologic, a DMARD, and another drug whose classification I’m unsure about. Prior to surgery during consultation, my orthopaedic surgeon repeatedly asked me if I had been tested for arthritis and I told him yes, but was found not to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. He asked me so many times I finally had to say “my GP has told me to stop even mentioning the arthritis idea to her because she said YOU DO NOT HAVE ARTHRITIS, NEVER MENTION IT AGAIN! She says I DON’T HAVE IT! I realize now my Achille’s surgeon strongly suspected an arthritis was the cause of my issue and indeed it was! The average number of years to being diagnosed for this type of arthritis is 8.5 years and sometimes the diagnosis is actually made by the surgeon repairing the damaged Achilles tendon. I’m forever indebted to my surgeon who actually believed I was really was in pain.

[Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA]

I had it, from Overtraining tu dunk. Loading with waights and doing jumpsoles. Got 41" vert, in one summer in collage. Did amazing dunks back then. But it did cause me that tandem inflammation it hurt to touch. What helped is scraping and massaging it.

[elizabethsmith]

Oh I loved this ❤. I don't have the achilles calcification, I do have a torn tendon on the side of the ankle & moderate plantar issues. A top ligament tear that somewhat healed. Pain can be debilitating. I agree on the cortisone shots do not do them they destroy more tissue in the long run. ❤

[vickiepatterson]

Another great video Docs!
It sounds like you have a good handle on the diagnosis and treatment of this problem. Including not letting the patient suffer too long before a suitable treatment (or surgery).
You two are great and you enlist the help of your incredible colleagues for more indepth answers and/or solutions!
Thanks for sharing another great informative video! 👍

[gayathrikaldevkunta]

Thank you for the information. It would be more helpful if you have shown some physiotherapy exercises to get relief from the pain

[FatimaAgin]

Appreciate the video, currently in a night splint for 3 weeks, then sound wave therapy if the inflammation doesn't go down. Appreciate my doctor not running to surgery right away. Just want to focus on recover, being patient so I can go back to my physical activities.

[connybrown]

This was very helpful and the doctor hit it spot on. My podiatry doctor said the exact thing. My concern is the surgery with my situation. What happens if I don't do surgery?

[ZenHulk]

Oh i have a funny story of US VA care. I had a motorcycle accident and after always had Achilles heal pain since 1997. In 2015 my VA doctor hit it with a reaction hammer, causing me to jump 9 feet (275lb man) so finally in 2019 she sent me to podiatry in another city 30 miles away, after 6 months 6 visits and over 300 miles of driving, i had 3 doctors talking about surgery, even met a surgeon, 2 sent me to PT and one gave me prescription cream which went over the counter a month later. So crazy mad, i used my Medicare coverage since i am disabled through the military and US, got me a Medicare doctor paid out of pocket and he moved my foot around, ordered a test. 45 mins later he called me in the car and said you have Gout, he prescribed a pill which i paid out of pocket, so pain i had since 1997 was totally gone no back heal pain at all. VA podiatry never did a blood test, did do 3 mri's. So since the VA is free to me, if i have an issue i go pay to find out the real reason, but my VA doctor has taken my Medicare diagnosis and prescribed his meds for me, but they're still not able to talk, two parts of the government that have no communication, why. Sorry for rant love you guys.

[TheCathie]

I’m hoping this clears up sooner than later. So painful

[jjv]

You guys are always so awesome!!! Thanks for sharing the wealth of information.

[numel]

My tendon really hurts after not walking on it for a while or just as I am waking up. Other than that it is manageable. Sometimes it gets bad towards the end of my shift at work. I am trying to lose weight as I think that will help the situation. Before I seek orthopedic help.

[justaname]

Wow this was the most helpful advice i have found including real life doctors'

[Grace.AlwaysGrace.]

How much wiser, healthier and wealthier we would be if we all had docs like thee. 🥰

[juliefrancis-murray]

This is really helpful. I have Achilles tendon problems but also plantar fasciitis and tilbialis posterior dysfunction. I get so low and cry before leaving for work as I know I will be in more pain within minutes. So depressing. I have to wear trainers for work but also wear a podiatrist fitted insoles. This helps the tibialis but months later is the Achilles problem.
I have countless expensive trainers but they are no good. I wish I could get help from someone professional on what to wear to minimise my pain.

[jenn]

Calf lifts or heel lifts until the cows come home. Do them on both legs do them on one leg, do them while holding for 5 seconds. It’s a weakness overuse condition and you need to strengthen. I suffered this since 2022 and after 1.5 yrs I am mostly better, back to function, I do not want surgery. Just keep doing the lifts, it takes a long time but it does help