Struggling with pain or stiffness in the back of your heel or lower leg? You may be experiencing Achilles tendonitis—a common condition that can worsen without proper care. At our locations serving Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for Achilles tendon injuries.
Whether your symptoms stem from overuse, sports activity, or gradual tendon degeneration, Dr. Fallis offers personalized care plans designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent long-term complications such as tendon rupture. From conservative therapies to advanced surgical options, patients throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati trust Dr. Fallis for comprehensive Achilles tendon care.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is known as Achilles tendonitis or tendinitis.
The Achilles tendon is a tough band of fibrous tissue that runs down the back of your lower leg and connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. The tendon is used when you walk, climb, jump, run and stand on your tip toes.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis occurs as a result of repetitive stress to the tendon. The stress may be due to:
- Overuse of the tendon
- Degeneration of the tendon
- Intense physical activity
- A sudden increase in activity
- Tight calf muscles
- Bone spurs or extra bone growth
- Rheumatoid arthritis and/or infection
Types of Achilles Tendonitis
Based on which part of the tendon is affected, Achilles tendonitis can be differentiated into:
- Insertional Achilles tendonitis: In this type, the lower portion of the tendon, where it attaches (inserts) to the heel bone is inflamed due to bone spurs.
- Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis: In this type, the middle portion of the tendon breaks down with tiny tears (degenerate), swells, and thickens. This is more commonly seen in younger and active people.
Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Some of the signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Stiffness and pain along the Achilles tendon.
- Swelling and thickening of the tendon.
- Swelling or discomfort in the back of your heel.
- Pain in the back of your heel that worsens with activity.
- Tight and stiff calf muscles.
- The skin on the heel is warm to touch.
- Limited motion when you flex your foot.
What if Achilles Tendonitis is Left Untreated?
If Achilles tendonitis is left untreated, it may cause:
- Severe pain
- Trouble walking or exercising
- Deformation of the tendon or heel bone
- Total tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon
Diagnosis of Achilles Tendonitis
To begin with, your doctor will physically examine your calf, heel, foot and ankle to look for symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis and ask you some questions about how you got injured. Your doctor will also palpate the affected area to elucidate the exact location of pain or discomfort.
Subsequently, imaging tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis. These tests include:
- X-rays: For images of leg bones and foot (to check for bone calcification)
- MRI scans: To detect tendon ruptures or tissue degeneration
- Ultrasounds: To check for tendon damage or inflammation
Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
Treatment for Achilles tendonitis ranges from home remedies to nonoperative therapies to surgery.
As a home remedy, you may be advised to use RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression (with bandage) and Elevation, which is usually effective in treating Achilles tendonitis.
Afterwards, you may be given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid or PRP injections as a nonoperative therapy. You may also be told to wear braces and undergo physical therapy involving certain exercises.
If the pain does not improve after 6 months of nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be considered to repair your Achilles tendon. The specific type of surgery depends on the amount of damage to the tendon and the location of the tendonitis.
In an “open repair” type surgery, your surgeon:
- Make a surgical cut above the heel bone to open your leg.
- Stitches the 2 sides of the ruptured tendon back together.
- Close the incision to complete the surgery.
In another type of surgery, your surgeon:
- Make a surgical cut to open the ruptured area of the leg.
- Passes needles with sutures through the tendon and the skin.
- Then ties the sutures together to complete the surgery.
Other surgical methods include:
- Debridement and repair: If the tendon has less than 50% damage, the damaged part is removed, and the remaining healthy part is repaired with sutures or stitches.
- Debridement with tendon transfer: In cases where the tendon has more than 50% damage and the remaining portion is not strong enough to function alone; an Achilles tendon transfer is performed.
- Gastrocnemius recession: This is the surgical lengthening of the calf muscles. The procedure is performed for people who have difficulty flexing their foot, despite consistent stretching.
Though rare, complications such as infection, slow wound healing, damage to nerves and soft tissues, and bleeding may occur after any of the above surgeries. It may take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to recover fully.
Why Choose Dr. Bryan Fallis for Achilles Tendonitis Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
When it comes to treating Achilles tendonitis, experience and precision matter. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM is dedicated to helping patients recover safely and return to their normal activities.
Here’s why patients in Ft. Mitchell and Cincinnati choose Dr. Fallis:
- Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon: Specialized expertise in treating tendon injuries and complex foot conditions
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Advanced imaging and hands-on evaluation to accurately diagnose your condition
- Non-Surgical First Approach: Focus on RICE therapy, bracing, physical therapy, and regenerative treatments when appropriate
- Advanced Surgical Options: Skilled in minimally invasive and open procedures when conservative care isn’t enough
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to your activity level, lifestyle, and severity of injury
- Convenient Regional Care: Easily accessible offices serving both Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
Dr. Fallis is committed to helping you heal faster, move better, and avoid future injuries.
Achilles Tendonitis FAQs
What causes Achilles tendonitis?
It is typically caused by repetitive stress, overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, or underlying conditions like arthritis.
What are the early signs of Achilles tendonitis?
Common symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain along the back of the heel that worsens with activity.
Can Achilles tendonitis heal on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and home care, but untreated tendonitis can worsen and lead to serious complications.
When should I see a doctor?
If pain persists for more than a few days, worsens, or limits your ability to walk or exercise, it’s important to seek professional care.
Is surgery always required?
No, most patients respond well to non-surgical treatments. Surgery is typically only considered after several months of unsuccessful conservative care.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies depending on severity but can range from a few weeks to several months.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Don’t let Achilles tendon pain keep you from staying active. Get expert care from Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, serving Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Convenient locations in Northern Kentucky & Greater Cincinnati
Call today to schedule your consultation
Same-week appointments may be available
Take the first step toward recovery—contact our office today for personalized Achilles tendonitis treatment and long-lasting relief.
