Heel pain can be one of the most frustrating problems you can face – particularly when it affects your everyday life. Be it as an athlete, or a person who spends a lot time on their feet, or a person dealing with chronic discomfort, Achilles tendon and heel pain can affect not only the biomechanics of mobility, but also mood and overall quality of life. Luckily, there are remedies and treatments that can help you find pain relief.
At the Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we appreciate how exhausting heel pain can be. Our foot care specialists in Houston have helped many patients overcome heel discomfort and return to their favourite sports and leisure activities. In this guide, we will discuss Achilles tendon and heel pain, the causes, symptoms, and some simple remedies to relieve your pain, as well as how to know when to seek help.
Understanding the Achilles Tendon and Heel Pain
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is crucial to functions and movements such as walking, running, and jumping. Since the tendon absorbs a lot of pressure and strain, it is prone to injuries and overuse inflammation.
The heel pain related to the Achilles tendon could be attributed to the following:
- Achilles tendonitis (from overuse causing inflammation)
- Achilles tendinosis (degeneration of the tendon)
- Heel spurs (calcium buildups on the bottom of the heel)
- Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot)
- Poor footwear or flat feet creating extra tension on the tendon.
It is important to understand that foot pain in Houston is a common problem, mostly due to the active lifestyle of Houstonians, long commutes (for each foot! ), and the weather (typically hot) where inappropriate footwear is commonly worn. Knowing the exact cause of your heel pain is helpful in understanding how to best remedy the situation.
Common Symptoms of Achilles Tendon and Heel Pain
Although most symptoms will be caused by a different problem, typical symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the heel or the back of the ankle
- Swelling and tenderness along the entire tendon
- Pain when standing on tiptoes or climbing stairs
- Heel pain that is worse after sitting all night (morning pain), or after physical activity
- A pop (with a complete rupture of the tendon)
If you have any of these symptoms, seek care as soon as you can to try to minimize any underlying issues from progressing to a chronic condition.
Simple Remedies for Achilles Tendon and Heel Pain
Here are some tried-and-true remedies you can use at home before having more invasive treatments.
1. Resting and activity modification
Overuse is one of the common causes for tendon and heel issues. Taking a break from repetitive high-impact activities (running, jumping, walking long distances) will give your tendon a chance to heal. Consider low-impact activities like swimming or biking while you recover.
2. Ice Therapy
Ice packs for the area are helpful. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day. They work by reducing inflammation as well as numbing the area. Ice is very helpful after exercising as well as after standing for long periods of time.
3. Stretching Exercises
Gentle stretching releases tension through the Achilles tendon, Achilles and the muscles surrounding the area. You may commonly do these stretches:
- Calf stretch against a wall
- Heel drops off a step
- Plantar fascia stretch with towel under foot
Stretching and routine stretching also helps with other conditions including plantar fasciitis that can often occur with heel pain.
4. Supportive Footwear and Orthotics
It is important that you wear shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning. Avoid worn, tired shoes and avoid wearing high heeled shoes, as both will make the tendon unhappy. Sometimes a custom orthotic from a foot specialist in Houston is the best option.
5. Compression and Elevation
Compression sleeves or wraps can help support the tendon and when you get home, elevating your foot will help with swelling after being on your foot for long periods.
6. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help to temporarily reduce pain as well as inflammation, but should be taken only as recommended by a physician or healthcare provider.
Advanced Treatments for Persistent Heel Pain
If you have localized pain in your Achilles tendon and heel that does not get better with home treatment, the next step is to seek intervention. At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we provide several advanced treatment options to our patients, including:
- Plantar fasciitis treatment that combines treatment for the heel and the associated tendon
- Shockwave therapy that escorts healing in chronic tendon injuries
- Arch supports, braces or splints that offer long-term solutions
- Physical therapy to strengthen the tendon or surrounding muscles
- Minimally invasive procedures in extreme cases of tendon rupture
Our intention is to make every effort possible to prevent surgery while simultaneously bringing our patients back to a pain-free lifestyle as soon as practical.
When to See a Foot Specialist
Mild pain may go away with simple cures, but not with wanting, or because it gets worse or doesn’t really go away, it is time to seek professional care. You should seek help if you have:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
- Swelling and redness around the tendon or heel
- Inability to put weight on the foot
- You had a sudden pop in the tendon
- Heel pain is interfering with your daily activities.
Ignoring a problem will lead to chronic disease, therefore getting better can be more difficult. If you are suffering from ongoing foot pain in Houston, do not wait until it gets unbearable.
Preventing Achilles Tendon and Heel Pain
It is always better to prevent than to cure; below are some useful ways to keep your feet healthy and strong:
- Warm up before exercise and stretch afterwards
- Do not purposely start to increase exercise intensity suddenly
- Wear supportive shoes appropriate for your activity
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your feet
- Regularly replace old or worn-out footwear
- Take time to do calf and foot strengthening exercises to strengthen these areas
By staying ahead of the problem, you may not have a chronic tendon and heel problem!
Why Choose Deniel Foot and Ankle Center in Houston
The Deniel Foot and Ankle Center is proud to be selected as a trusted option for heel symptoms or tendon care by a number of patients. Our trusted professionals have experience in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and many other sources of heel pain. Patients trust us because we combine advanced medical care with compassion.
We are here to help whatever your need – whether you want plantar fasciitis treatment and/or assistance with your footwear decisions or you are looking for a podiatrist with experience treating tendon injuries. Our office is dedicated to treating the residents in Houston so they can walk, run, and live pain-free.
Call to Action
Don’t let Achilles tendon and heel pain interfere with your life. It is possible to find relief, working with certified podiatrists and foot and ankle specialists. If you have fully tried all home remedies and techniques to manage your symptoms have failed, it is time to make an appointment.
Schedule an appointment with the Deniel Foot and Ankle Center today and you can start on the path to living pain-free.
We are here to provide you with individualized solutions for your heel pain, tendon injury, and any other foot health journey you may be taking. Your feet support you throughout your life, let us help you keep them healthy, strong, and free of pain.
Conclusion
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we believe everyone deserves to move without pain. If you’re in Houston, and have been suffering from heel or tendon problems, let the specialists at our center help find effective treatment and relief for the long-term.
