You can feel your Achilles tendon if you touch the bone of your heel and move up slightly, you'll feel some give but find it is a tough and strong ligament. It connects your heel bone to your calf and it is key to helping you walk and run. It's a tendon you may not pay much attention to until it stops working as it normally does. If are experiencing discomfort at your Achilles tendon, either tightness or outright pain, you should seek the help of your Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Niceville, FL, podiatrist, they can help diagnose and treat the problem to get you back on your feet. Learn more about how the types of treatments for your Achilles tendon by contacting Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel of Emerald Coast Podiatry.
At-Home Care
For mild symptoms, a common strategy for dealing with discomfort brought on by inflammation is called the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It's often used after an injury or to treat minor pain and involves following the four simple but important steps. Rest is key to promoting healing and to prevent further injury. The application of ice, compression, and elevation can reduce inflammation and ease pain symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can also be beneficial but should not be relied on for anything more than a short period of time. If the pain you experience is severe or recurs from time to time then you should consider professional help.
How Your Podiatrist Can Help
Your Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Niceville, FL, podiatrist can offer help that is usually non-invasive as a first option, only severe cases may require surgery. The same could be potentially true for cases that go too long without proper treatment and if allowed to worsen on their own.
You may be prescribed a brace or a walking boot to relieve pressure on your tendon as it heals. Physical therapy and orthotics may also play a role in your treatment both to heal and to provide support to prevent re-injury. Laser treatment and specialized injections can help.
Achilles tendon injuries tend to occur due to strenuous exercise, so along with the support of orthotics, your doctor may also suggest changing up your exercise routine or work habits.
If you are struggling with tightness or discomfort of your Achilles tendon you can schedule a consultation with your podiatrist in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Niceville, FL, with Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel of Emerald Coast Podiatry by dialing the Fort Walton office at (850) 862-4119 or the Crestview office at (850) 682-6522.