Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis often causes pain, swelling and inflammation from the back of the heel region running up the calf. Walking up and down steps, hills or inclines can be painful and anxiety causing. The tendon can rupture, which often feels like you’ve been shot in the heel, and you may not be able to walk. If you think you have a ruptured tendon call our NY podiatrist at 718-840-0660 or go to the emergency room right away.
Causes
Achilles Tendonitis may be caused by flat feet, walking with an improper gait, injuries, or may occur in “weekend warriors”, people who engage in infrequent, intense exercise and sports activities.
Treatment
Treatment for Achilles Tendonotis begins with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation). If pain continues you may need a heel lift, an over the counter or custom orthotic, an orthopedic shoe or brace and possibly physical therapy. In more severe cases you may need to completely immobilize the foot. The most severe cases may require surgical intervention using an innovative technique for fixing and reattaching the tendon such as an Arthrex SutureBridge. Achilles Tendonitis should be properly assessed by your NY podiatrist. Our Park Slope office offers an in-house digital x-ray system and state of the art ultrasound to diagnose your condition and determine the extent of your injury.
Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity can cause pain, swelling, discomfort and redness to the back of the heel, as well as a noticeable bump or bony protuberance on the back of the heel area. It may be difficult to wear shoes, as rubbing can create increased pain and pressure and can lead to a blister or abrasion.
Causes
Haglund’s Deformity is often seen with too high an arch and is more common in women than men. Left untreated, the condition may worsen with time, so early detection and treatment is recommended.
Treatment
Radiographic x-rays may can be utilized to confirm the diagnosis. Treatments include RICE, padding, cushioning, heel elevation or heel lift in the shoe, over the counter or custom orthotics, and orthopedic shoes. When conservative treatments aren’t working minimally invasive lateral incision Haglund’s deformity surgery may be recommended.
Retro Calcaneal Spur
Refers to a bony protuberance around the Achilles Tendon, usually at the insertion onto the heel bone. It causes pain, inflammation, discomfort while walking or going up and down steps and rubbing in shoes.
Causes
A Retro Calcaneal Spur can be caused by too high or too low an arch, previous trauma or injury to the area, Sero-Negative Arthritis or severe Osteo Arthritis.
Treatment
A diagnostic x-ray will be taken and if necessary an ultrasound may be performed. RICE, padding, cushioning, heel lifts, over the counter orthotics, custom orthotics or shoes and possibly physical therapy may be recommended. Alternative treatments such as Melt therapy and acupuncture may also help to reduce pain and inflammation. Those who don’t respond to conservative treatment may require minimally invasive surgical intervention that removes the bone spurs, and the use of the Arthrex SutureBridge which allows the patient to walk and recover more quickly.
Contact Your NY Podiatrist
If you think you may be suffering with Achilles Tendonitis or rupture, Haglund’s Deformity or a Retro Calcaneal Spur, call a concerned NY podiatrist at Progressive Podiatry at 718-840-0660 or schedule an exam online in one of our Brooklyn offices: Park Slope, Bay Ridge, or Mill Basin.