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Achilles Tendon Specialist in Boston, MA

What is your Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a thick tendon located in the back of your leg. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body. This tendon links the muscles in your calf to your heel.

You use your Achilles tendon when you walk, run, climb stairs, jump, and many other activities.

If you’re dealing with an Achilles tendon injury in the Boston area, don’t hesitate to contact sports medicine specialist George Theodore, MD today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Theodore was named in the top 1% of America’s Most Honored Doctors by the American Registry and has extensive experience accurately diagnosing and effectively treating Achilles tendon injuries. He is also the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle consultant to the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Boston Bruins, Boston Ballet, and Harvard University Athletics.

What are some Common Achilles Tendon Injuries?

Your Achilles tendon bears a lot of stress and pressure during everyday activities, as well as during athletic and recreational play.

If you injure your Achilles tendon, it usually falls into two categories, tendonitis or a rupture.

If your Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, swollen, or irritated it is known as tendonitis.

Tendonitis of the Achilles tendon:

  • May occur due to overuse
  • May occur from damage
  • Can cause pain down the back of your leg
  • May cause you to feel pain around your heel
  • May show signs of getting thicker and hardening because of tendonitis that could get worse over time
  • Can happen from small tears in the middle fibers of the tendon and usually happens to active, younger adults (known as non insertional Achilles tendonitis)
  • Can occur where your tendon meets your heel bone,  causing extra bone growths, and can happen at any age and at all activity levels
  • Sometimes happens due to a change in activity level, tight calf muscles, or repetitive stress to the tendon

Tendonitis Treatment

If you have a ruptured Achilles tendon, it can be a complete or partial break/tear in your tendon.

Rupture of the Achilles tendon:

  • Requires immediate medical attention
  • You might hear a pop that seems to come from the back of your heel or calf
  • Typically results from a sudden injury

achilles tendon.

Do I Have an Achilles Tendon Injury?

If you have an Achilles tendon injury, you should seek medical attention to get properly diagnosed. Your doctor can listen to your symptoms and check for bone spurs, pain, and swelling.

You may need an imaging test like an X-ray, or MRI. This will give a better overview of what is going on and identify areas of concern.

  • An X-ray shows bones and can show bone spurs and if the tendon has become calcified or hardened.
  • A MRI will help you see how severe the tendon damage is and what treatment is best for you.

As you talk with Dr. Theodore, you will discuss your symptoms, desired outcomes, and the best way to move forward.

How are Achilles Tendon Injuries Treated?

Treatment depends on how badly injured your tendon is. Some common treatment options include nonsurgical, various types of therapy or surgery.

Schedule an Achilles Tendon Injury Consultation

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury in the Boston area, give sports medicine doctor George Theodore, MD a call today. Dr. Theodore is Boston’s top Knee, Ankle, and Foot Surgeon and is highly trained to assist in Achilles tendon symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

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