Achilles Tendon
When you experience a ruptured Achilles tendon, you usually know it right away. The ankle pain often is excruciating. But being the tough athlete that you are, you may still want to continue playing the game or continue running, relying on other muscles in your leg.
When a ruptured Achilles tendon happens, it feels like something struck you really hard in the back of your ankle. You may hear a popping sound. Afterward, the Achilles tendon pain intensifies and the surrounding area starts to swell. While you may be able to shake it off and keep going, you definitely won't be able to keep it up for long. Instead, seek Achilles tendon rupture treatment from your Midtown Manhattan sports medicine doctor as soon as you can.
Achilles Tendon NYC — SPIN Sports Pain Specialists
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The Anatomy of Achilles
The tendon, which tends to weaken over time after prolonged use and abuse, is named after the Greek mythological warrior Achilles. The great fighter had only one weakness — his heel. According to legend, his mother dipped him in the fire to create a protective barrier for her son. The only part of his body left unprotected was where his mother held him by the back of his heel.
During a great battle, an arrow pierced the vulnerable spot on his ankle, and Achilles was finally defeated. In addition to the body part bearing his name, the term "Achilles heel" also is used to identify any weakness in an otherwise great person.
Basics Expanded
The Achilles tendon is the long tough cord that extends down the back of your calf and attaches to your heel. It's active every time you walk or bend your foot. Most people take for granted the strong, fibrous material. Athletes, especially weekend athletes who don't always take precautions before working out, are the most vulnerable to developing Achilles tendonitis.
Types of Achilles Tendonitis
There are two basic types of Achilles tendonitis: non-insertional and insertional.
Non-insertional Tendonitis
Non-insertional tendonitis is most commonly seen by your sports medicine and pain management physician in younger active adults. It's characterized by a thick, hardened protrusion in the middle back portion of your ankle.
Insertional Tendonitis
Insertional tendonitis can affect you even if you're inactive, but it's mostly seen in sprinters and long-distance runners after years of running. You'll notice swelling at the bottom of your heel where the tendon enters your foot. Bone spurs often accompany this type of tendonitis.
In fact, it's usually long-term repetitive stress that causes you to seek treatment for Achilles tendonitis, no matter which type you have. Achilles tendon rupture treatment may be needed the first time you do too much too fast, but lingering Achilles tendon pain often is due to improper warmups, having tight muscles in your calves, and/or developing bone spurs.
Symptoms and Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Stiffness and throbbing pain in the back of your ankle that sometimes radiates up your leg is the first sign that you're developing Achilles tendonitis. After a while, the tendon thickens, the pain worsens and the swelling continues throughout your day.
Once you start treatment for Achilles tendonitis, it can take up to six months before you feel much relief. Non-surgical solutions are the first line of Achilles tendonitis treatment for your doctor. These treatments consist of:
Before you need Achilles tendon rupture treatment, you need to protect your Achilles tendon and let it heal fully. If the pain doesn't subside within about six months of conservative Achilles tendonitis treatment, you may need surgery followed by physical therapy.
Ready to find relief from Achilles tendon pain?
Dr. Melepura's Midtown Manhattan clinic offers same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment
If you seek Achilles tendon rupture treatment in Manhattan shortly after you hear the pop, you have a better chance of avoiding ruptured Achilles tendon surgery. The non-invasive treatment is similar to that of Achilles tendonitis treatment. It also may include wearing a restrictive boot for six weeks or more.
Surgery involves making an incision and stitching the tendon back together. It demands a rigorous physical therapy regimen after the procedure. Surgery could leave you sidelined for up to six months. To get the best advice about treatment for Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture treatment, see your NYC sports medicine doctor as soon as you feel a tinge of discomfort.
Real Stories from our Patients
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD
Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Meet Dr. Febin Melepura — Your Achilles Tendon Specialist in NYC
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and the founder of the Sports Pain Institute of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.
He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, and has treated more than 7,500 patients and performed over 5,250 procedures throughout his career. He has been named a Top Pain Management Doctor in New York and one of America's Top Doctors™ by Castle Connolly.
Dr. Melepura's approach to Achilles tendon pain is rooted in precision: identify the exact source, treat it with a targeted injection, and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Same-day appointments available. Call (212) 621-7746 or book online.
What Our Achilles Tendon Patients Say
"Able to make an appointment to see Dr. Melepura on short notice… attentive to my concerns… Jazmin was also very kind and helpful."
"Excellent hospitality, listener and explainer… highly recommend the doctor and the place."
"Dr. Melepura is the best! He worked with me to find the optimal solution to my shoulder pain while I was preparing for a fight!"
"Lovely, bright and modern… doctor and staff were kind… felt my concerns were heard."
"Helpful and friendly staff who gladly follows up with you if and when needed. Dr Melepura was very helpful and professional as well as provided me with excellent information and feedback."
"Dr Febin is fantastic! Highly recommend him and his practice the Spin clinic. The doctor is a good listener, kind, attentive and gave me great advice. "
"Dr.Melepura was very efficient and interpersonal, felt like he was understanding the problems I was having and explained the processes to take to rehabilitate. I would recommend."
"I felt listened to and truly understood by Dr. Melepura. Started PT the very next day. They were very friendly and I didn't feel rushed at all. Already recommended them to my friends who have or continue to play through pain."