Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment in Salt Lake City
Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is frequently seen in runners, athletes, and individuals who increase activity levels quickly. At Salt Lake City Podiatry, Dr. Zak Oddone provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for Achilles tendon injuries to help patients return to activity safely and comfortably.
When necessary, in-office digital X-rays can be performed during your visit to evaluate the heel and surrounding structures. Having digital X-ray available in the office allows for faster diagnosis and treatment planning without needing to visit a separate imaging center.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis
Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
Pain or stiffness in the back of the heel
Pain that worsens with activity
Swelling or thickening along the Achilles tendon
Difficulty walking, running, or climbing stairs
Tenderness when touching the back of the heel
These symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with continued activity.
Causes of Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendonitis often develops from repetitive stress or overuse of the tendon. Common contributing factors include:
Sudden increases in running or exercise intensity
Tight calf muscles
Poor footwear or lack of arch support
Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
Sports that involve frequent jumping or sprinting
Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of effective treatment.
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment Options
Most cases of Achilles tendinitis improve with conservative treatment. At Salt Lake City Podiatry, treatment options may include:
Activity modification and rest
Targeted stretching and physical therapy
Heel lifts or custom orthotics
Anti-inflammatory medications
Supportive footwear recommendations
Immobilization when necessary
Early treatment can reduce pain, promote healing, and help prevent chronic tendon problems.
When to See a Podiatrist for Achilles Pain
You should seek evaluation from a podiatrist in Salt Lake City if you experience:
Persistent pain in the back of the heel
Swelling along the Achilles tendon
Difficulty walking or running
Pain that does not improve with rest
Early diagnosis can help prevent the condition from progressing to more serious tendon damage.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain in Salt Lake City, Dr. Zak Oddone provides both conservative and advanced treatment options to help you recover.
Same-day and same-week appointments available.