A partial tear of the Achilles tendon can temporarily disable patients, but most injuries will heal on their own, if afforded some pain relief. The most common treatments aim to kill pain and restore muscle and tendon function. Patients must reduce swelling to ease the pressure that amplifies foot pain. They must protect the injured tendon fibers temporarily, and then coax them back into fitness by building strength in increments. Doctors don't order surgical treatment for most cases of foot tendon strain.
RICE Therapy
Patients can provide home care themselves, assisting the body in cellular repair through rest and inflammation reduction. Rest, ice, compression and elevation make up RICE treatments. The National Institutes of Health advises patients to use RICE therapy and take the weight off the injured leg for the first two days after a tendon strain.
While resting, patients should raise the Achilles tendon above the heart, using pillows or a sling. Ice applications of 20 minutes' length, every few hours, address foot pain relief and swelling. Additional treatments include compression wraps or immobilization aids such as splint boots.
Drug Therapy
Patients can add pain relief drugs to home treatments for moderate or severe foot pain. As the Mayo Clinic notes, individuals should try over-the-counter aspirin or ibuprofen to control their pain first. Correct dosage timing and amounts will provide continuous action against pain.
The Food and Drug Administration points out that overdoses can cause organ damage. If pain symptoms increase or interfere with sleep or mobility for extended periods, physicians can prescribe stronger oral medications or corticosteroid injections.
Exercise Therapy
An Achilles tendon strain involves the tendons that serve the large muscles of the calves that are used for walking. Bringing an injured foot back to health requires flexing and strengthening of all the muscles and tendons in these areas. The NYU Langone Medical Center includes exercise therapy as rehabilitative treatment for tendon strains or tears.
Patients can begin slowly increasing their ranges of motion on their own. A professional physical therapist may use muscle stimulation, passive and active stretching techniques and a custom exercise plan to help patients overcome foot pain and recover their health.
Massage Therapy
According to the NIH, many patients choose massage therapy for pain relief and its other benefits to the healing process. As a partially torn tendon heals, the new tissue will possess less strength and resiliency than a healthy, uninjured Achilles tendon. Physical therapy can last for months and bring its own aches from exertion.
Massage therapy addresses the lingering stiffness and soreness of this recovery stage. The NYU Langone Medical Center notes that physical therapists may use massage to prep muscles for workouts.
