What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is when the Achilles tendon, which is a big, strong cord at the back of your heel, gets swollen and hurts. This tendon assists with walking, running, and jumping. When it gets inflamed, it can make activities painful and difficult.
Why Does Achilles Tendinitis Happen?
This condition often happens when you do a lot of running or jumping. If you suddenly start playing sports or if you do a lot of exercise without warming up properly, your Achilles tendon can get irritated. It can also happen if you wear shoes that don’t fit well or if you have flat feet.
How Can You Tell If You Have Achilles Tendinitis?
- Pain: You might feel pain at the back of your heel, especially when you walk, run, or climb stairs.
- Swelling: The area around your heel might look swollen or feel warm.
- Stiffness: Your heel might feel stiff, especially in the morning.
How to Treat Achilles Tendinitis
If you think you have Achilles tendinitis, it’s important to get help from a doctor. One great doctor to see is Dr. Ishwar Meena, an orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur. He can give you the best advice for treating this condition. Here are some ways to help your Achilles tendon heal:
- Rest: Give your foot a break. Try not to do activities that make the pain worse. Resting helps the tendon heal.
- Ice: Put ice on the sore area for about 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day. This can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can help. Dr. Ishwar Meena can show you specific stretches that are good for your Achilles tendon.
- Strengthening Exercises: Once the pain is better, you might need to do exercises to make your tendon stronger. This can help prevent the problem from coming back.
- Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes that fit well and provide good support can make a big difference. Dr. Ishwar Meena can help you choose the right shoes for your feet.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Sometimes, taking medicine like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling. But always check with a parent or doctor before taking any medicine.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you with exercises and stretches to make your tendon stronger and more flexible.
When to See a Doctor
If you have pain in your Achilles tendon that doesn’t go away, or if it’s getting worse, you should see a doctor. Dr. Ishwar Meena, an orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur, can provide you with a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan just for you.
Preventing Achilles Tendinitis
To help prevent Achilles tendinitis, try these tips:
- Warm-Up: Always warm up before exercising. This can help get your muscles and tendons ready for exercise.
- Increase Activity Gradually: If you start a new sport or exercise routine, increase the intensity slowly to give your tendon time to adjust.
- Wear Proper Shoes: Make sure your shoes are comfortable and support your feet well.
