Treatment for a strained Achilles tendon requires prompt attention and proper medical care. Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon helps you walk, run, and move around.
A strained Achilles tendon can happen to anyone. Athletes face higher risks during sports activities. However, anyone can get this type of injury. The right treatment for it depends on several things, like the severity of your strain and your activity level.
Rest and Activity Modification
Rest forms the foundation of Achilles tendon strain treatment. You must stop activities that cause pain or discomfort. This includes running, jumping, and other high-impact exercises.
Complete bed rest is not necessary for most strains. However, you should avoid putting excessive stress on the injured tendon. Walking short distances may be acceptable if it does not increase pain.
Activity modification means changing how you move during daily tasks. You might need to use elevators instead of stairs. Taking shorter steps can also reduce strain on your tendons.
Ice Application
Ice therapy reduces inflammation and controls pain effectively. Apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every 2 to 3 hours during the first 48 hours.
Never apply ice directly to your skin, and always use a thin towel or cloth barrier. This prevents ice burns and protects your skin from damage.
Some people prefer ice baths for Achilles tendon injuries. Fill a bucket with cold water and ice cubes, and soak your foot and ankle for 10 to 15 minutes.
Compression and Elevation
Compression helps reduce swelling around the injured tendon. Use an elastic bandage or compression sleeve for best results. Wrap the area snugly but not too tightly.
Check your circulation regularly when using compression. Your toes should remain warm and maintain normal color. Remove the wrap if you notice numbness or tingling.
Elevation also reduces blood flow to the injured area and minimizes swelling and inflammation. Prop your foot up above your heart level when sitting or lying down.
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen, provide relief for most Achilles strains. These medications work better than acetaminophen for tendon injuries.
Follow the dosage instructions on the medication label carefully. Take these medications with food to prevent stomach irritation. Stop taking them if you experience any adverse effects.
Some people require stronger prescription pain medications. Your doctor will evaluate your pain level and medical history and prescribe appropriate medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in Achilles tendon recovery. A trained therapist designs exercises specific to your injury. These exercises restore strength and flexibility gradually.
Early physical therapy focuses on gentle range-of-motion exercises. You will likely perform ankle circles and calf stretches. These movements prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility.
Later therapy phases include strengthening exercises. Heel raises and resistance band exercises rebuild tendon strength. Balance training also helps prevent future injuries.
Orthotic Devices
Heel lifts reduce stress on your Achilles tendon during healing. These devices fit inside your regular shoes easily. They raise your heel slightly and decrease tendon tension.
Custom orthotics provide better support than over-the-counter options. A foot specialist creates these devices based on your foot shape to address problems that contribute to tendon strain.
Walking boots offer maximum protection for severe strains. Your doctor may recommend wearing one for several weeks.
Shock Wave Therapy
Shock wave therapy delivers sound waves to your injured tendon to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. The treatment does not require surgery or anesthesia.
Each session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients need 3 to 5 treatments over several weeks. You may feel some discomfort during the procedure.
Research shows good results for chronic Achilles tendon problems. This therapy works best when other treatments have failed. Your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate.
Surgical Options
Surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatments fail. Doctors typically try non-surgical methods for 6 months first. However, it might be your best treatment option for a tear in the Achilles tendon.
Tendon repair surgery reconnects torn tendon fibers. The surgeon uses special sutures to hold the tendon together. Achilles tendon rupture recovery time varies from 3 to 6 months after surgery.
Tendon transfer surgery uses tissue from other areas and works well for severely damaged tendons. The procedure has a longer recovery time but offers great long-term results.
Prevention Strategies
Here are some prevention strategies to help you in the future:
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Warm-ups prepare your tendons for activity. Spend 5–10 minutes on light exercises, gradually increasing intensity.
Meanwhile, cool-downs aid recovery. After intense activity, walk slowly for a few minutes, followed by gentle stretches. Consistency is key—warming up before every workout helps prevent Achilles tendon injuries.
Gradual Training Progression
Most Achilles tendon strains result from sudden increases in activity. Follow the 10% rule; only increase your activity by 10% per week.
Apply this to running distance, intensity, and frequency. Gradual progression allows your tendons to adapt and prevents overuse injuries.
Also, track your progress with a training log. Note activities, distances, and any pain to spot potential issues early.
Treatment for a Strained Achilles Tendon in Boynton Beach, FL
Proper treatment for a strained Achilles tendon requires professional medical guidance. Every injury is different and needs personalized care. The key points for successful recovery include immediate rest and ice application. Professional physical therapy guides your return to activities safely. Advanced treatments help when conservative methods are not enough.
Professional evaluation ensures you receive the most effective treatment. Trust the experienced team at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches for your Achilles tendon care. Our specialists provide comprehensive treatment for a strained Achilles tendon. Call us at (561) 733-5888 or submit an appointment request form to start your recovery journey.
We look forward to serving you!
