From routine checkups to treatments for surgery, Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery is equipped to handle all your podiatric needs.
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Achilles Tendon Treatment in Denton, TX

Expert Care for Achilles Tendon
Pain in the DFW Area

Expert Care for Achilles Tendon Pain in the DFW Area

Are you experiencing pain in the back of your heel or ankle? Is this pain limiting your daily activities or athletic performance? At Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery, our specialized podiatrists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for Achilles tendon conditions, helping patients throughout Denton and the DFW area return to pain-free mobility.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It connects your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to your heel bone (calcaneus) and plays a crucial role in walking, running, jumping, and standing on your toes. This powerful tendon allows you to push off with each step and is essential for proper foot mechanics.

Common Achilles Tendon Conditions We Treat

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon that typically develops from overuse or sudden increases in activity. This condition often begins with mild pain after exercise that gradually worsens if left untreated.

Key Symptoms:

  • Recurring pain along the tendon, especially during or after activity
  • Morning stiffness and tenderness about an inch above the heel
  • Swelling that may become severe with continued activity
  • Thickening of the tendon
  • Bone spur formation at the tendon attachment point

Achilles Tendon Rupture

A rupture is a partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon. This serious injury requires
immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and complications.

Key Symptoms:

  • Sudden, sharp pain (often described as a "pop" or "snap")
  • Immediate swelling and bruising
  • Difficulty walking, especially uphill or upstairs
  • Inability to stand on tiptoes
  • A gap or indentation in the tendon that may be visible or felt

What Causes Achilles Tendon Problems?

Several factors can contribute to the development of Achilles tendon conditions:

  • Overuse or sudden increases in activity - Rapidly increasing mileage or intensity during running or sports
  • Poor flexibility - Tight calf muscles put additional strain on the Achilles tendon
  • Improper footwear - Shoes with inadequate support or cushioning
  • Foot structure - Flat feet (overpronation) or high arches can increase stress on the tendon
  • Training errors - Hill running, stair climbing, or starting exercise without proper warm-up
  • Age - Tendon strength and elasticity decrease with age, making injury more likely
  • Previous injury - A history of Achilles tendon problems increases risk of recurrence
  • Medical conditions - Conditions like arthritis or diabetes can affect tendon health

Our Diagnostic Approach

At Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing Achilles
tendon conditions. Our evaluation includes:

  • Detailed medical history to understand your symptoms and activity patterns
  • Physical examination of your foot, ankle, and leg, including assessment of tendon strength and flexibility
  • Observation of your walking pattern (gait analysis) to identify biomechanical issues
  • Diagnostic imaging when necessary, which may include:
  •             X-rays to check for bone spurs or other bone abnormalities
  •             Ultrasound to visualize soft tissue damage and inflammation
  •             MRI for a detailed view of the tendon structure in severe or complex cases

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Conditions

Our Denton foot specialists create personalized treatment plans based on your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. We offer both conservative and surgical options to effectively address Achilles tendon problems.

Conservative Treatments

For most patients, non-surgical approaches are highly effective in treating Achilles tendon conditions:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

  • Temporarily reducing activities that cause pain
  • Cross-training with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling
  • Gradual return to normal activities as healing progresses

2. Physical Therapy

  • Targeted stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and calf muscles
  • Progressive strengthening programs
  • Eccentric loading exercises that have shown exceptional results
  • Gait training to improve walking mechanics

3. Orthotic Devices

  • Custom orthotic inserts to correct biomechanical issues
  • Temporary heel lifts to reduce strain on the tendon
  • Night splints to maintain proper positioning during sleep

4. Advanced Non-Surgical Therapies

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to enhance natural healing processes
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) to stimulate healing​ Item

5. Supportive Care

  • Proper footwear recommendations for your specific foot type
  • Compression wraps to reduce swelling
  • Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and inflammation

Surgical Options

Achilles Tendonitis Surgery

  • Removal of damaged tissue to promote healing
  • Repair of partial tears
  • Removal of bone spurs when present

Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair

  • Direct suturing of tendon ends for complete tears
  • Tendon reinforcement techniques for weakened tendons
  • Minimally invasive approaches when appropriate

Recovery Timeline and Expectations

Recovery from Achilles tendon conditions varies depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment approach. Here’s what you can generally expect:

For Achilles Tendonitis:

  • Early recovery (1-2 weeks): Focus on reducing pain and inflammation
  • Intermediate recovery (2-6 weeks): Gradual reintroduction of stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Advanced recovery (6-12 weeks): Progressive return to normal activities with proper form and technique

For Achilles Tendon Rupture (Post-Surgery):

  • Immobilization phase (2-6 weeks): Protection in a cast or boot
  • Early rehabilitation (6-12 weeks): Gentle range of motion and strengthening exercises
  • Functional rehabilitation (3-6 months): Progressive return to full activities and sports-specific training

Our team will provide detailed guidance and support throughout your recovery process to ensure optimal healing and prevent recurrence.

Preventing Achilles Tendon Problems

Prevention is always better than treatment. Our Denton podiatrists recommend these strategies
to maintain Achilles tendon health:

  • Proper warm-up before physical activity, including gentle stretching
  • Gradual progression when increasing exercise intensity or duration
  • Appropriate footwear with good support and cushioning
  • Regular stretching of calf muscles and Achilles tendons
  • Cross-training to avoid repetitive stress on the tendons
  • Listening to your body and resting when you experience pain
  • Regular podiatric check-ups to address foot issues before they cause problems

Why Choose Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery for Achilles Tendon Treatment?

Our practice offers several advantages for patients seeking Achilles tendon care in the Denton
and DFW area:

  • Specialized expertise in foot and ankle conditions
  • Comprehensive approach that addresses the root cause of your pain
  • Advanced diagnostic technology for accurate assessment
  • Both conservative and surgical treatment options to fit your needs
  • Personalized rehabilitation plans to ensure complete recovery
  • Preventive education to minimize risk of recurrence

Common Questions About Achilles Tendon Conditions

How do I know if my Achilles pain is serious?

You should seek medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pain, inability to walk normally, significant swelling, or if your symptoms don’t improve with rest. Early diagnosis is key to preventing more serious complications.

How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendonitis?

With appropriate treatment, mild cases can improve within 2-4 weeks. More severe or chronic cases may take 3-6 months for complete recovery. Following your treatment plan consistently is essential for optimal healing.

Will I need surgery for my Achilles tendon problem?

Most Achilles tendon conditions respond well to conservative treatment. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases, complete ruptures, or when non-surgical approaches haven’t been successful after several months.

Can I still exercise with Achilles tendonitis?

Low-impact activities that don’t cause pain are usually acceptable. Your podiatrist will guide you on appropriate exercises during recovery and help you develop a safe plan for returning to your regular activities.

How can I prevent my Achilles condition from returning?

Maintaining good flexibility through regular stretching, wearing supportive footwear, gradually
increasing activity levels, and addressing any biomechanical issues with custom orthotics are all
important preventive measures.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t let Achilles tendon pain limit your mobility and quality of life. Our Denton foot and ankle specialists are ready to provide the expert care you need to recover and return to your activities pain-free.