How to Treat Achilles Tendinitis for Runners

“Hi, I’m Dr. Wachtel, and today I’m really excited to talk about some running injuries that we see in the office. Running injuries are very common. Achilles tendinitis is a very big and prominent problem in runners. The Achilles tendon originates from two muscles in the back of the leg, the soleus and the gastrocs, and it extends from muscle down into tendon and attaches to the back of the heel area. It gets stretched a lot, and that’s why we call it Achilles tendinitis because it’s an inflammation of the tendon.

The best ways of treating Achilles tendinitis are:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

One of the best ways we like to control mechanics, especially to decrease pressure in the Achilles tendon, is a CAM walker. it’s a removable splint that you wear during the day, and it just takes pressure off of the Achilles tendon area. Typically worn for a minimum of 3-4 weeks, depending upon your injury. We also have laser therapy for Achilles tendintiis. Laser is basically a beam of light that creates oxygen or increased circulation to the tendon, which is very hard to heal, because there’s not a lot of circulation  to the tendon. Therefore we create new tissue growth within the Achilles tendon and the inflammation typically goes down. Stopping pressure and use of the Achilles tendon is paramount, and that’s what we use the CAM walker for.

If you have Achilles tendinitis and you’re a runner, you have an injury of any kind, please think of us! Our phone number is (978) 794-8406. Our offices are located in North Andover, Haverhill, and Lowell.”

Dr. Wachtel and his staff serve their patients with the utmost care at their three office locations in North Andover, Lowell, and Haverhill.