Pain on the back of your heel or just above the heel bone can be the result of an Achilles tendon problem. The Achilles tendon is a long, strong structure that comes from your calf muscles and attaches to the back of your heel. Inflammation of this tendon is common and often quite painful. Injuries to this tendon are common in sports and other high impact activities.
One of the most common places for the Achilles tendon to be problematic is where it attaches to the back of the heel bone. The tendon can become inflamed and even tear off the bone. This is often associated with a bone spur on the back of the heel. An injury can cause this issue, but usually that is not the case. Tightness of the calf muscles can ultimately trigger tension where the Achilles attaches to the foot. If you have pain on the back of the heel, the best home remedies are ice, wearing shoes that have a mildly elevated heel, avoiding running and jumping activities, and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory.
When the Achilles is painful above where it attaches to the bone, it often increases in thickness. This is equivalent to scar tissue formation. This kind of problem has no home remedies. It can be challenging to eliminate the scar tissue but not impossible. The biggest risk of ignoring Achilles tendon pain is the possibility of a tear. A tear of the Achilles tendon typically means weeks or months of recovery time and also the possibility of surgery.
It is important to avoid flat shoes and walking barefoot – even in your home – when you have Achilles tendon pain. Sandals, Crocs or other shoes that are open in the back are often more comfortable when the Achilles is sore. This is one of the few times a podiatrist will recommend wearing your Crocs! We can usually nurse an Achilles tendon problem back to health without surgery, but it is imperative that treatment begin early in its onset. Limping around with an Achilles condition can not only be exhausting, but can also lead to a problem with your knee, hip, or back. You can avoid unnecessary long-term suffering from an Achilles problem by having it addressed within no more than a month of its starting point.
Be kind to your summer feet
Foot Gear!
- Sterile bandages: Cover minor cuts and scrapes.
- Antibiotic cream: Treat skin injuries.
- Lotion: To hydrate your feet.
- Motrin/Advil: To help with swollen tired feet.
- Sunscreen: To protect against the sun.
- Aloe Vera: To relieve a sunburn.
Protect Your Feet From The Heat
Summer is here! We all are so exited to say that, but soaking up the rays still can make your feet vulnerable.
Follow these recommendations from your local podiatrist:
- Do not walk barefoot outside as it exposes you to a sunburn, plantar warts, athletes foot, and other infections as well as risks of injury.
- Always apply sunscreen to your feet and ankles.
- Drink water! This will help with your overall health, but also swelling caused by the heat.
- Keep the blood flowing. You can do ankle flexes, toe wiggles and calf stretches.
- Wear the correct shoes for activities.