I was almost apoplectic! Injected his tendon or even around his tendon?! In my world, that’s almost borderline malpractice; but I can’t fault the physician, she obviously didn’t know any better and was trying to treat the patient. Bottom line: Go to a sports medicine physician. We would all tell you the same thing: injecting the Achilles tendon can lead to spontaneous rupture which would basically end his running days. Look at poor Dan Marino…a ruptured Achilles tendon ended his Hall of Fame career!

Let’s talk about Achilles tendon injuries. They are very common especially in runners with high arched feet or very flat feet. Both of these foot types put way too much torque on the tendon and will cause a wear and tear tendonitis that eventually becomes tendonosis without proper treatment.

Tendonitis results from overuse. Long-standing tendonitis becomes tendonosis (degeneration of the tendon) which is much harder to treat. This overuse can happen over a period of time or can happen over a weekend.  Those of you who exercise regularly or are in training for an athletic event, as strong as the Achilles tendon is, this work horse could use a break every once in a while!  With chronic, long term, sustained use, this tendon becomes strained.  It also can become just as strained with whom we fondly refer to as the “weekend warriors”.  You know who you are!  You are the ones who think it perfectly o.k. to hike the Appalachian Trail or take the steep way down the Grand Canyon over a three day weekend because “it was there”! Marathon runners who decide they can run the Western States 100 without the proper training….you can't hide for long....I will find you....

The simplest form of treatment can involve rest, heel lifts, icing, inserts, night splints, custom orthotics and anti-inflammatories.  More complex forms Achilles tendonitis can include immobilization through a boot or cast, physical therapy, and in the most resistant cases, surgery. Active release myofascial release is very helpful. Thank God for David Bloom at Restoration Physical Therapy and Dr. Darryl Laney at Laney Chiropractic in Keller! Most of my long-standing Achilles tendon injuries are successfully treated with aggressive PT and manipulation on top of orthotic control. The longer you have it, the worse it gets.  Do not let it get that far. Tendonosis is a chronic degeneration that can lead to splitting of the tendon and long term disability!

Thinking of waiting to see if it works itself out or are trying to work through the pain?  Let us help you reconsider. Chronic Achilles tendonitis (tendonosis) results in degeneration and breakdown within the tendon and this, in turn, can lead to a partial tear or full rupture.  Now that will put you out for more than a couple months!    If you are experiencing a nagging pain or swelling to the Achilles tendon or the back of the heel, call or contact the office to have it evaluated.  It is that simple!