Achilles Tendon Pain Treatment in Kalamazoo, MI

Recover Stronger and Move Without Pain

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping—but when overused or injured, it can cause significant pain and limit mobility.

At Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, we treat Achilles tendon pain with a personalized approach that may include rest, physical therapy, regenerative medicine, and, if necessary, surgical repair. Whether you’re dealing with chronic tendinitis or an acute tear, our team is here to help you heal and return to an active lifestyle.

Common Causes of Achilles Tendon Pain

You may be at risk for Achilles tendon pain if you:

• Engage in repetitive activities like running, basketball, or tennis
• Suddenly increase your exercise intensity or duration
• Have tight calf muscles or limited ankle flexibility
• Wear unsupportive shoes, especially on hard surfaces
• Have flat feet or abnormal gait mechanics
• Are over age 40 and physically active

Most issues are caused by overuse or microtears that build up over time, but acute ruptures can occur with sudden force.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Pain

Patients often report:

• Pain or stiffness along the back of the heel, especially in the morning
• Swelling or tenderness in the lower calf or above the heel
• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• A popping sound or sharp pain at the back of the ankle (possible rupture)
• Difficulty rising on your toes or walking uphill
• Thickening of the tendon or a noticeable lump

Diagnosis

During your visit to Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, your podiatrist will:

• Ask about your symptoms and activity level
• Perform a physical exam, checking for swelling, weakness, or gaps in the tendon
• Test your range of motion and ability to bear weight
• Recommend imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, if a tear is suspected

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to preventing further damage.

Potential Diagnoses for Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles tendon pain can result from several related conditions. Common diagnoses include:

• Achilles Tendinitis – Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse, often seen in runners and athletes
• Achilles Tendinosis – Degeneration of the tendon over time without significant inflammation, usually caused by chronic stress
• Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy – Pain where the tendon inserts into the heel bone, often accompanied by bone spurs
• Paratenonitis – Inflammation of the sheath surrounding the tendon
• Partial Tear – A small tear within the tendon fibers, often from sudden increases in activity
• Achilles Tendon Rupture – A complete tear of the tendon, typically accompanied by a sudden pop and loss of function
• Haglund’s Deformity – A bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can irritate the Achilles tendon

Identifying the correct diagnosis is key to choosing the most effective treatment plan and preventing long-term complications.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Pain

We tailor treatment based on whether your condition is classified as tendinitis (inflammation), tendinosis (degeneration), or a partial/full tear.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis respond well to:

• Rest, activity modification, and temporary immobilization
• Ice application to reduce inflammation
• Stretching and calf-strengthening exercises
• Orthotics or heel lifts to reduce tendon strain
• Anti-inflammatory medications or topical treatments
• Physical therapy with eccentric loading exercises
• Regenerative injections (such as amniotic fluid or PRP) to promote healing

These methods aim to reduce stress on the tendon and encourage repair of damaged tissue.

Surgical Options

If nonsurgical care doesn’t relieve your symptoms or you’ve suffered a tendon rupture, surgery may be recommended. Procedures may include:

• Debridement and repair of damaged tendon tissue
• Lengthening of tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
• Removal of bone spurs (if contributing to insertional tendinopathy)
• Tendon transfer for chronic degeneration
• Surgical repair of a torn tendon using sutures or grafts

Recovery typically involves a short period of immobilization followed by a guided rehabilitation program.