Achilles Tendon Specialist

Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration

Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Dallas, TX, Fort Worth, TX, & Frisco, TX

As the longest tendon in your body, your Achilles tendon helps you walk, jump, and run. Because your Achilles tendon is prone to overstretching, overuse, and even ruptures, surgeons Charles Cook, MD, and John Noack, MD, and the skilled orthopedic team at the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco, Texas, provides integrative care for all types of Achilles tendon injuries. If you experience pain down the back of your lower leg or have difficulty flexing your foot, contact the practice today. Call the office nearest you directly to schedule an evaluation.

Achilles Tendon Q & A

What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

Connecting your calf muscles in the back of your lower legs to your heel bone is the primary function of your Achilles tendon. It’s because of this fibrous connective tissue that you’re able to move your foot up and down or push off to jump or sprint, in addition to walking and running.

Because your Achilles tendon plays so many important roles, all while absorbing shock and supporting your body weight, it can certainly wear down. Some of the most common causes of Achilles tendon injuries include:

  • Overuse, as with Achilles tendinitis
  • Increase in exercise intensity
  • Beginning a new exercise or sport
  • Heel spur development

Your risk of suffering from Achilles tendon injuries, including ruptures, increases if you don’t properly warm up before beginning physical activities, which may include job functions. 

When should I see a doctor for Achilles tendon issues?

The expert orthopedic team at the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration encourages you to schedule an Achilles tendon exam if you experience any degree of the lower leg, ankle, or heel pain. It’s important to see an orthopedist as soon as possible if you experience:

  • Stiffness in your lower leg and ankle
  • Swelling that worsens with activity
  • Difficulty flexing your foot

To diagnose your condition, your Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration physician may perform a physical exam, test your range of motion, and gather imaging tests. Once they confirm which type of Achilles tendon injury you have, they counsel you about which type of treatment you need. 

How does a doctor treat Achilles tendon injuries?

One of the most important things you can do to help your Achilles tendon heal is to rest it. This may mean decreasing or stopping any exercise or work activities that worsen your pain. Your orthopedist at the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration may also recommend:

If you have a severe tendon injury or rupture, your orthopedist might talk with you about surgery. Modern Achilles tendon procedures are minimally invasive and allow your doctor to perform any necessary tissue grafting or other repairs to restore your full Achilles tendon functions.

Before your Achilles tendon pain worsens any further, contact the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration to get started on treatment. Call any office to speak with a team member.