Achilles Tendon Specialist

Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado Our Services Achilles Tendon

Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Colorado Springs, CO

Achilles tendon pain is a common issue among both active and sedentary men and women. If you’re having pain in the back part of your foot, the skilled podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, can help. Matthew Hinderland, DPM, Trevor Whiting, DPM, and Jordan Cameron, DPM, are highly experienced with all kinds of Achilles tendon problems, including rupture and tendonitis. Book your appointment using the online scheduler or call the office for help today.

Achilles Tendon Q & A

What is the Achilles tendon?

The Achilles tendon spans the back of your calf and runs down the back of your ankle and into your foot. It's the biggest tendon in the human body and is crucial for all movements involving your feet.

Because your Achilles tendon plays such a big role in walking, running, jumping, and other movements, it absorbs considerable pressure and is susceptible to damage and injury. 

What kind of damage can affect the Achilles tendon?

Achilles tendon damage can happen in many ways, including:

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is serious Achilles tendon inflammation typically tied to overuse. Distance runners and other athletes are susceptible to Achilles tendonitis. You can also develop Achilles tendonitis if you're not very active because your tendons grow less flexible over time. Furthermore, excess weight can increase the pressure on your Achilles tendon and make you more susceptible to Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis can make it very difficult to walk normally without pain.

Achilles tendon tear

An Achilles tendon tear, also called a rupture, is a rip in the fibers that make up your tendon. It's tied to trauma in most cases. This may include accidents like falling from a ladder, a poorly landed jump, a trip-and-fall, or ankle instability that causes your ankle to simply give out while you're walking or standing. If you start a new exercise routine or ramp up exercise intensity suddenly, you can suffer an Achilles tendon tear as well. An Achilles tendon tear can leave you unable to walk without extreme pain.

How do you treat a damaged Achilles tendon?

Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado begins with conservative care. This may include:

  • Rest, including abstaining from all activity if possible
  • Ankle immobilization with a brace, boot, or splint
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine for pain

Sometimes there's too much damage for the Achilles tendon to recover fully, as in the case of a severe tear. Your podiatry specialist may recommend regenerative medicine treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells to help you regrow healthy tendon tissue without surgery.

In some cases, surgery is the best way to repair a badly damaged Achilles tendon. The expert podiatric surgeons at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado can repair the damage and restore you to full Achilles tendon function over time. 

Book an appointment at either Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado location by phone or with online scheduling today.

What we offer

Services