Achilles Tendonitis Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling along the back of the ankle, making it difficult to walk, run, climb stairs, or participate in sports. Without timely treatment, ongoing inflammation can lead to tendon degeneration or even an Achilles tendon rupture.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for Achilles tendonitis in Mount Pleasant, SC.
He offers individualized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore strength and mobility. Whenever possible, treatment begins with conservative therapies such as activity modification, physical therapy, bracing, medications, and regenerative medicine options before considering surgical intervention.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is known as Achilles tendonitis or tendinitis.
The Achilles tendon is a tough band of fibrous tissue that runs down the back of your lower leg and connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. The tendon is used when you walk, climb, jump, run and stand on your tip toes.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis occurs as a result of repetitive stress to the tendon. The stress may be due to:
- Overuse of the tendon
- Degeneration of the tendon
- Intense physical activity
- A sudden increase in activity
- Tight calf muscles
- Bone spurs or extra bone growth
- Rheumatoid arthritis and/or infection
Types of Achilles Tendonitis
Based on which part of the tendon is affected, Achilles tendonitis can be differentiated into:
- Insertional Achilles tendonitis: In this type, the lower portion of the tendon, where it attaches (inserts) to the heel bone is inflamed due to bone spurs.
- Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis: In this type, the middle portion of the tendon breaks down with tiny tears (degenerate), swells, and thickens. This is more commonly seen in younger and active people.
Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Some of the signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Stiffness and pain along the Achilles tendon.
- Swelling and thickening of the tendon.
- Swelling or discomfort in the back of your heel.
- Pain in the back of your heel that worsens with activity.
- Tight and stiff calf muscle.
- The skin on the heel is warm to touch.
- Limited motion when you flex the foot.
What if Achilles Tendonitis is Left Untreated?
If Achilles tendonitis is left untreated, it may cause:
- Severe pain
- Trouble walking or exercising
- Deformation of the tendon or heel bone
- Total tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon
Diagnosis of Achilles Tendonitis
To begin with, your doctor will physically examine your calf, heel, foot and ankle to look for symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis and ask you some questions on how you got injured. Your doctor will also palpate the affected area to elucidate the exact location of pain or discomfort.
Subsequently, imaging tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis. These tests include:
- X-rays: For images of leg bones and foot (to check for bone calcification)
- MRI scans: To detect tendon ruptures or tissue degeneration
- Ultrasounds: To check for tendon damage or inflammation
Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
Treatment for Achilles tendonitis ranges from home remedies to nonoperative therapies to surgery.
As a home remedy, you may be advised to use RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression (with bandage) and Elevation, which is usually effective in treating Achilles tendonitis.
Afterward, you may be given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid or PRP injections as a nonoperative therapy. You may also be told to wear a brace and undergo physical therapy involving certain exercises.
If the pain does not improve after 6 months of nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be considered to repair your Achilles tendon. The specific type of surgery depends on the amount of damage to the tendon and the location of the tendonitis.
In an “open repair” type surgery, your surgeon:
- Makes a surgical cut above the heel bone to open your leg.
- Stitches the 2 sides of the ruptured tendon back together.
- Closes the incision to complete the surgery.
In another type of surgery, your surgeon:
- Makes a surgical cut to open the ruptured area of the leg.
- Passes needles with sutures through the tendon and the skin.
- Then ties the sutures together to complete the surgery.
Other surgical methods include:
- Debridement and repair: If the tendon has less than 50% damage, the damaged part is removed, and the remaining healthy part is repaired with sutures or stitches.
- Debridement with tendon transfer: In cases where the tendon has more than 50% damage and the remaining portion is not strong enough to function alone, an Achilles tendon transfer is performed.
- Gastrocnemius recession: This is the surgical lengthening of the calf muscles. The procedure is performed for people who have difficulty in flexing the foot, despite consistent stretching.
Though rare, complications such as infection, slow wound healing, damage to nerves and soft tissues, and bleeding may occur after any of the above surgeries. It may take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to recover fully.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Achilles Tendonitis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Achilles tendon pain can significantly affect your ability to stay active, making an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan essential. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines orthopedic expertise with advanced treatment options to help patients recover safely and return to the activities they enjoy.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle conditions
- Comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause and severity of Achilles tendon injuries
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's activity level and goals
- Emphasis on conservative, non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate
- Expertise in regenerative medicine to support tendon healing in appropriate candidates
- Advanced surgical treatment for chronic tendon damage or tendon rupture
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and function
- Patient-centered care from diagnosis through full recovery
Whether your symptoms developed gradually from overuse or suddenly after increased activity, Dr. Ohlson is committed to helping you achieve lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles Tendonitis
Can Achilles tendonitis heal without surgery?
Yes. Most patients improve with conservative treatment, including rest, ice, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, stretching exercises, bracing, and other non-surgical therapies.
When is surgery recommended for Achilles tendonitis?
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite several months of conservative treatment or when there is significant tendon degeneration, partial tearing, or tendon rupture.
What happens if Achilles tendonitis is left untreated?
Without treatment, Achilles tendonitis may worsen over time and increase the risk of chronic tendon degeneration, ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and complete Achilles tendon rupture.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and treatment approach. Mild cases may improve within several weeks, while more advanced tendon injuries or surgical repairs may require several months of rehabilitation.
Schedule an Achilles Tendonitis Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If persistent pain or stiffness in the back of your ankle is limiting your daily activities or athletic performance, early treatment can help prevent more serious tendon damage. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment for Achilles tendonitis in Mount Pleasant, SC, using both conservative therapies and advanced surgical techniques when appropriate.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting pain relief, improved mobility, and a safe return to the activities you enjoy.