Naples Heel Pain

Basic Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis

Heel pain can be caused by various foot conditions. One of the most common causes of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, which is due to inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This tendon is found behind the ankle and thus causes pain behind the heels when injured.

Achilles tendonitis is more common among the middle aged group and those active in sports. Like other tissues in the body, the tendons become less flexible and weaker with age.

There are many different treatment methods to treat Achilles tendonitis. It is best to address the injury as soon as possible to prevent more severe outcomes.

Resting the foot is the primary management to minimize heel pain and inflammation. This will give it time to heal and reduce the swelling.

Applying ice packs to the Achilles tendon area relieves acute heel pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice with a clean towel or use an ice pack. Additionally, ice packs should not be applied on the skin longer than 30 minutes as it can also stop blood flow if left for too long.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help control inflammation and reduce foot pain. NSAIDS can cause stomach upsets so it is best to take the medication with a full glass of water.

Physical therapy and stretching exercises are very helpful if done under the supervision and instruction of a podiatrist or qualified physical therapist. Immobilization of the ankle is helpful in more severe injuries to quickly relieve inflammation. Leg casts or special foot orthotics can help in healing the tendon more rapidly.

Corticosteroid injections are rarely given as they have not been shown to significantly improve the condition and can have possible complications.

Surgical intervention is only considered if nonsurgical approaches have not provided relief. The procedure can involve tendon lengthening, debridement of the tendon, or moving the tendon attachment.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT is the modern approach to treating heal pain. This is an in office procedure that is a safe way to treat more complex heel pain conditions. Instant results are seen with this medication-free and cost-effective management of foot pain.