Virginia Doctors Tackle Achilles Pain 

Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Sonya Wali, Dr. Carl Belock, and Dr. Meng Liu at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA, are trained to treat Achilles pain and all other foot issues. Below are the causes, diagnoses, and treatments that can help alleviate heel pain.

Where Is The Achilles Tendon Located, And What Does It Do? 

The Achilles tendon is located on the back of your leg and connects the bottom of the heel to your calf muscles. It helps you walk, run, stand, and jump, so when you have issues with this tendon, the pain can radiate up your calf, making it difficult to do any of those things.

A tendon is not a muscle but a strong connective tissue that connects bone to muscle. Think of it like a rubber band. When your muscle contracts (shrinks), it pulls the connective tissue and, in turn, moves the bone. Connective tissues are all over your body, but the Achilles is the thickest one.

According to Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists, located in Williamsburg, VA, the most common injuries in this area that could cause Achilles pain are listed below. 

• Tendonitis is a tendon inflammation that causes this area to become swollen and painful. It can be caused by overuse of this muscle or injury.
• Bursitis is an inflammation of the pillow-like liquid that fills the bone and tendon area. This liquid can become inflamed from repetitive movements.
• Achilles Tendon Tear—If you have Tendonitis but do not let it heal, it can result in a tear, which may require forced rest and/or surgery to repair. It’s best to treat Tendonitis right away. Some injuries can also result in a tear.
• Haglund’s Deformity is a bony bump where the tendon is attached to the bone. It can make it hard to wear specific shoes and cause chronic rubbing. 

Diagnosis And Treatment 

When diagnosing your injury, our doctors will want to examine the area and ask for a thorough medical history. They may ask you to have further testing by performing the following definitive tests: an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or an x-ray.

These tests help our doctor determine the extent of the damage to your tendon, which will determine treatment. Most injuries demand rest in the area and use the RICE treatment method (ice, compression, elevation).

If your tendon tears, it may require surgery, including physical therapy. Other treatments are a walking boot and custom orthotics for your footwear.

Call Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Sonya Wali, Dr. Carl Belock, and Dr. Meng Liu today in the Williamsburg, VA, office at (757) 220-3311 and the Hampton, VA, office at (757) 224-7605 to schedule your appointment for a consultation and pain relief at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors await your call.