Remedies for a Painful or Swollen Achilles Tendon

The Achilles heel is often used to reference a particular weakness a person has, but what happens when that weakness is in their Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, and when it endures too much stress, it can cause pain and swelling in the back of the ankle. While this is an injury most commonly suffered by runners who push themselves too hard, other athletes are prone to Achilles issues as well. Although it can be painful, Achilles tendonitis does not usually require extensive medical attention. If the problem persists, however, you many want to visit your local podiatrist for treatment. Below are some common tendonitis treatments, both in and out of the doctor’s office.

1. Rest and OTC Medication – Often times rest is the best medicine for a swollen or painful Achilles tendon. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help the swelling and pain go down as well.
2. Strengthening Exercises – If the pain persists, you might want to find a podiatrist or physical therapist who can give you exercises to strengthen the tendon. Exercises promote healing and can get you back to your normal routine faster.
3. Shockwave Therapy – Shockwave treatment for Achilles tendonitis can be used if other remedies have not worked. This process involves sending ultrasonic sound waves to the tendon through the skin to heal inflamed tissue and reduce pain. Shockwave treatment for Achilles tendonitis is a good first option for those hoping to avoid surgery.

These are just a few of the remedies for a painful or swollen Achilles tendon. While simple solutions, like OTC medications, can often take care of the problem, persistent pain can sometimes require surgery. Be sure to consult your doctor if the pain and swelling does not go away. See this link for more references.