Achilles Injury Treatment for Patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg & Nearby FL Cities

Achilles Injury TreatmentAchilles injury treatment may be necessary if you are experiencing pain above your heel that worsens when you stretch your ankle or flex your foot. The Achilles tendon is a long, rope-like band of tissue that spans from the calf muscle to the heel bone and is designed to withstand the considerable stresses exerted by continual walking, running, jumping, and toe pointing. However, overuse can lead to conditions like Achilles tendonitis and painful swelling. Also, when excessive force or sudden movement causes the Achilles tendon to stretch beyond its capacity, it can sometimes separate and tear. Patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other nearby FL cities who have painful symptoms or suspect an injury are encouraged to seek Achilles injury treatment from the Board-certified physicians and surgeons at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group.

To diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate Achilles injury treatment, a physician at Tampa Orthopaedic in Tampa, FL, will perform a thorough physical examination, which may include watching you walk or run to identify problems that might have contributed to your injury. Mild to moderate Achilles tendon injuries often resolve on their own without surgical intervention. Treatments that can facilitate recovery include:

  • “RICE” (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • A specially designed heel lift to wear in your shoe and limit Achilles tendon stretching while you recover
  • Physical therapy, including targeted stretching and strengthening exercises

Full recovery can take time, during which you can maintain your fitness level by swimming or engaging in other activities that do not aggravate your injury. If conservative forms of Achilles injury treatment are attempted over the course of several weeks but prove ineffective, casting may be required to immobilize the tendon and allow it to heal. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a ruptured tendon or remove excess tissue.

Contact the Board-certified orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors at Tampa Orthopaedic today to learn more about Achilles injury treatment options. We treat patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and all surrounding FL communities, along with some of the area’s most renowned professional athletes. Dr. Daniel Murphy serves as a team physician for the New York Yankees, and Dr. Arnold Ramirez serves as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.