Do I have Achilles tendonitis symptoms?

Do you experience discomfort or swelling in the back of your heel when you walk or run?

Is the skin on your heel warm to the touch?

Do you experience a limited range of motion when flexing your foot?

Do you have tight calf muscles?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. You need this tendon to walk, run, jump, and stand on the balls of your feet. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon is inflamed, usually after continuous, intense physical activity. The main symptom of this is pain and swelling in the backside of your heel (the Achilles tendon) when you walk, run and jump. Luckily, in your case, there seems to be no reason to be worried.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some symptoms of Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is often common in athletes who exercise or walk excessively. However, also other factors may contribute to your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis, such as infection and rheumatoid arthritis. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are usually effective in treating the Achilles tendonitis. If you are worried about your symptoms, it may be important to visit your doctor, who will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor may observe your range of motion and flexibility, and may also feel around the areas where the pain and swelling are the worst.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have Achilles tendonitis. Rest, ice, compression, stretches and elevation are usually effective in treating Achilles tendonitis right after you are injured. However, if this does not work, you need to see your doctor. Know that if your tendonitis gets worse, and you leave in untreated, your tendon can tear, and you may need surgery to repair the tendon or even a brace or special shoes to hold the foot in place. The pain can be very sharp. Full recovery can range from a few weeks to a few months.