How is Achilles tendinitis treated?

How is Achilles tendinitis treated?

Nonsurgical treatment is typically recommended first. Pain that lasts more than six months may require surgery.

Nonsurgical treatment methods include the following:

• Rest and stop doing activities that cause stress to the tendon.
• Apply ice to the tendon for 15 minutes after exercising.
• Compress the tendon by using an athletic wrap or surgical tape.
• Elevate the painful extremity. You can reduce swelling by lying down and raising your foot to a level that is above your heart.
• Stretch your ankles and calf muscles.
• Take anti-inflammatory medication (for example, ibuprofen) to reduce swelling.
• Wear heel lifts in good running shoes.
• Avoid barefoot walking or walking in shoes without a heel lift.
• Avoid walking up inclines, climbing ladders, and climbing stairs, if possible.
• Use a night splint.
• Take part in physical therapy.
• Depending on how severe the pain is, you can use a walking boot or walking cast.