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Treating an Achilles Tear

When you have a torn Achilles tendon, it produces pain, swelling, and maneuvering difficulties, all of which make walking and standing incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, your Austin, TX, podiatrists, Drs. Trinity Mereau, Steven Walters, and Shine John, offer a variety of treatments that will help you recover from your injury.


How Achilles tendon tears occur

Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Although the tendon is designed to stretch as you move, jumps, sudden pivots, or other extreme movements can all stress the tendon and cause it to tear.

Repetitive stress, tight calf muscles, increasing the intensity of your workout, and wearing unsupportive shoes can also increase your risk of a tendon injury. As you age, the Achilles tendon weakens, increasing the likelihood that you'll tear it during a fall or a pickup game of basketball.


Common Achilles tear symptoms

Many people report hearing a popping sound at the moment that their tendons tear. Other signs and symptoms can include:

  • Sudden stabbing pain in your heel or calf
  • A constant dull ache in the tendon after the initial pain subsides
  • Swelling around your ankle
  • Inability to stand on your toes
  • Trouble walking, bending your foot, pushing off with your foot, or managing stairs


How your Austin foot doctor treats an Achilles tear

If you have a mild tear, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear a boot and use crutches to reduce pressure on the tendon during your recovery. More severe tears might require surgery to repair the tendon, remove damaged tissues, and treat any bone spurs. In some cases, surgery may involve improving the strength of the tendon by adding another tendon to the bone. Your foot doctor will create a treatment plan for you based on the severity of your injury and other issues.

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. During therapy sessions, you'll stretch and strengthen your calf muscles and improve the range of motion in your ankle and foot.


Need care? Give us a call

Do you think that you may have an Achilles tear? Call your podiatrists in Austin, TX, Drs. Mereau, Walters, and John at (512) 474-6666 to schedule an appointment for the Medical Arts Street or Bee Caves Road offices.

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Austin, TX Podiatry Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

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Sunday:

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