Can You Treat Achilles Tendonitis Without Surgery?

Once your doctor has diagnosed that nagging pain in your heel as Achilles tendonitis, it’s time to figure out how to make it go away. Luckily, treating Achilles tendonitis does not always mean surgery. 

What is Achilles tendonitis?

There are two types of Achilles tendonitis. In general, Achilles tendonitis is inflammation and degeneration of your Achilles tendon. This injury can be in the middle of the Achilles tendon (1-2 inches from the heel bone). It can also be ‘insertional Achilles tendonitis’ that occurs at the heel bone and is associated with a bony prominence at the heel. 

What are the nonsurgical treatments for Achilles tendonitis?

The orthopedic surgeons at Southwest Orthopedic Group can customize nonoperative Achilles tendon treatments for each patient.

Most patients do very well with conservative treatments for their Achilles tendonitis, regardless of where the tendonitis is located. In general, Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury. Thus, resting the Achilles tendon and modifying activities is the first line of treatment. Often, a walking boot is used. A gel heel cup/heel lift can be used to take tension off the Achilles. 

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or Mobic can be used. Shock wave therapy can be used as well. 

Once the initial pain improves, the patient can start physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis. Specific exercises typically include eccentric exercises of the calf muscle. The physical therapist will plan a home exercise program. 

In general, steroid injections are avoided with Achilles tendonitis. 

The surgeons at Southwest Orthopedic Group and Dr. Stautberg can review your specific nonsurgical treatments for Achilles tendonitis.

Will the heel bump go away?

Unfortunately, the heel bump will not go away. The heel bump is a bone spur that will persist. However, the pain and swelling around this bump should improve. 

Will Achilles tendonitis come back?

Most patients will have prolonged relief once their Achilles tendonitis resolves. There is a small risk it returns, particularly in high-demand athletes. In this patient population, exercises to prevent the return of Achilles tendonitis is key. 

Can Achilles tendonitis cause hip, knee, or ankle pain?

Achilles tendonitis, and other injuries, can alter the way you walk. Unfortunately, when a patient has an altered gait (way you walk), you can develop knee, hip, or lower back pain. This is often worse with activity and better with rest. Once the root cause (the Achilles tendonitis) goes away, the other joint pain typically resolves.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has more information about Achilles tendonitis: FootCareMD.

For more questions or to set up an evaluation, contact Dr. Stautberg’s office at 281-977-4870. 

Author

Eugene Stautberg, MD