The Achilles tendon is a thick fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel of the foot to the calf muscle. Contraction of the calf muscle causes plantarflexion of the foot, or the foot to point downward. With repeated use, such as with walking on the toes, running long distances or performing high repetition calf raises, the Achilles tendon can become inflamed. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is termed Achilles tendonitis and can cause pain, swelling and stiffness along the tendon. Thus, treatment with anti-inflammatory medication will be helpful.
Aleve
Aleve, or naproxen sodium, is an appropriate treatment for Achilles tendon inflammation, states MayoClinic.com. Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often referred to as NSAID, that can be taken by mouth to reduce pain and inflammation along the Achilles tendon. This medication reduces chemical signals that are released in response to injury or damage of the Achilles tendon. A reduction in inflammatory signals can reduce symptoms. A patient should be aware that Aleve can cause serious stomach, liver, kidney or heart damage and should immediately seek medical treatment if he experiences bloody vomit, bloody stools, dark urine, clay-colored stools or heart problems.
Advil
Advil, or ibuprofen, is an NSAID that can be used to treat Achilles tendon inflammation, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health. Ibuprofen is similar to Aleve, in that it reduces chemical signals related to pain and inflammation in the body. However, ibuprofen has a slightly different chemical structure, which may make it more or less effective in treating inflammation that Aleve, in certain patients. Thus, if a patient is taking one type of NSAID, and symptoms have not improved, he can try a different brand of NSAID, which may be more effective. Side effects of Advil are similar to those of Aleve, and should not be taken by patients with previous heart, liver, kidney or stomach problems without seeing a doctor.
Corticosteroid Injection
In more severe cases of Achilles tendon inflammation, a doctor may recommend injecting a corticosteroid medication into the heel. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that can reduce inflammation, pain and swelling in the heel. The benefit to a corticosteroid injection is that a patient can avoid serious side effects of corticosteroids that are given orally. However, only a few injections can be given per year to reduce possible side effects of corticosteroids on the joint.
