Serving Utah Valley
Heal Your Achilles Pain in Orem, UT
Is a sharp pain in the back of your heel making it difficult to walk or run? Do you feel stiffness in your lower calf the moment you wake up? You may be suffering from Achilles tendonitis, a common overuse injury that affects the largest tendon in your body. At Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, Dr. James Hoyal specializes in treating Achilles pain effectively to help you get back to your active lifestyle and, most importantly, prevent a serious tendon rupture.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is used for virtually every movement involving your foot, including walking, running, and jumping
Achilles tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse, often seen in runners who increase their intensity too quickly, or “weekend warriors” who play sports infrequently. It can also occur due to tight calf muscles or bone spurs.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning.
- Pain along the back of the heel that worsens with activity.
- Severe pain the day after exercising.
- Thickening of the tendon (a lump may form).
- Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day with activity.
At-Home Care for Achilles Pain
Treating Achilles pain early is crucial to prevent the condition from becoming chronic or leading to a tear. Here are steps you can take at home:
- The R.I.C.E. Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are key to reducing acute inflammation.
- Heel Lifts: excessive stretching of the tendon can cause pain. Inserting a small heel lift or wedge into your shoe slightly elevates the heel, taking tension off the Achilles tendon.
- Gentle Stretching: Tight calf muscles put extra strain on the Achilles. Perform gentle calf stretches, but stop immediately if it causes pain.
- Switch Activities: Switch from high-impact activities (like running or basketball) to low-impact exercises (like swimming or cycling) to maintain fitness without stressing the tendon.
- Anti-inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and swelling.
When to See a Doctor (Warning Signs)
You should never ignore Achilles pain. The Achilles tendon has poor blood supply, which means it heals slowly. If left untreated, tendonitis can weaken the tendon, leading to a rupture—a complete tear that often requires surgery.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoyal if:
- You hear a “pop” at the back of your heel or calf (this indicates a rupture).
- You feel like you’ve been kicked in the calf, but no one is there.
- The pain is severe and prevents you from walking comfortably.
- You have a bump or deformity on the back of your heel (sometimes called a “pump bump” or Haglund’s deformity).
- At-home treatment has not improved the pain after two weeks.
At Hoyal Podiatry, we offer comprehensive care ranging from custom orthotics and physical therapy referrals to advanced non-surgical treatments. We work to identify the root cause—whether it’s gait mechanics or footwear—to ensure the pain doesn’t return.
Protect your Achilles from rupture.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Hoyal today to start your recovery.