Achilles Tendonitis Specialist
Dr. Ryan M. Sherick can help individuals suffering from Achilles tendonitis and severe Achilles Tendon pain in the Thousand Oaks, California area with innovative orthopedic procedures such as amniotic membrane injections, Platelet-Rich-Plasma injections (PRP), or the use of Shockwave therapy. Call (805) 904- 0476 or book an appointment online today to learn more about Dr. Ryan M. Sherick’s Achilles Tendon treatments, available at Apex Foot & Ankle Institute in Thousand Oaks, California.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon is the biggest and strongest tendon in your body, which is responsible for connecting the heel bone (calcaneus) to the calf muscles. When the Achilles tendon is subjected to prolonged stress or is injured, it becomes inflamed, and the Achilles tendon possibly develops micro tears in the tendon or “mucinous degeneration or deposit of mucoid tissue” that ultimately leads to a flare-up of Achilles tendonitis symptoms.
Fortunately, the Achilles tendon does not usually rupture immediately after engaging in activities such as cardio or sports, but microtears from persistent stress can accumulate over time and leave you more vulnerable to a severe injury. The process that occurs during the healing of Achilles tendon injuries can lead to the development of abnormal tissue that weakens your tendon over time increasing the risk of potential Achilles tendon rupture.
If you are experiencing pain in the back of your heel or Achilles tendon pain, please contact Heel Pain Specialist Dr. Ryan M. Sherick for an evaluation at the Apex Foot & Ankle Institute in Thousand Oaks, California.
What causes Achilles Tendonitis?
The most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is chronic overuse or overexertion. The following are some of the most common causes of this debilitating condition:
The majority of Achilles tendonitis occurrences occur in active people, such as runners/athletes, who have significantly increased their activity in a short period of time.
What are the symptoms?
Early detection of Achilles tendonitis can mean taking anti-inflammatory medication to relieve discomfort or limiting activities for a short amount of time.
The following are some Achilles tendonitis symptoms to look out for before your next big race:
Heel pain
Ankle motion loss
Stiffness and swelling
Extensive pain after exercising
If your symptoms worsen, see a foot and ankle expert like Dr. Ryan M. Sherick for all Achilles Tendon pain and Achilles Tendon Injuries to determine which treatment option is best for you.
How is Achilles Tendonitis treated?
Your treatment plan will be based on the extent of your injuries. If your Achilles tendon is inflamed but not incredibly painful, conservative treatments such as ice, rest, and doctor-recommended stretches may be sufficient to alleviate your pain and swelling.
If your leg or heel discomfort is severe enough that you can’t walk, Dr. Sherick may propose a more comprehensive treatment, such as:
Dr. Sherick may incorporate more than one therapy method into your recovery plan, depending on your level of pain.
For more information about Achilles tendonitis, contact Dr. Ryan M. Sherick or make an appointment online today as he is highly experienced in treating Achilles Tendonitis, and Achilles Rupture repair utilizing advanced minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Ryan M. Sherick, at Apex Foot & Ankle Institute is proudly providing Achilles tendon injury care to the following areas in California: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, West Hills, Chatsworth, and the entire Conejo Valley, Santa Rosa Valley, and greater Los Angeles area.