Chronic Achilles Tendonitis Health Video

Achilles tendonitis involves the overuse of the specific tendon resulting in micro tears. Get expert tips and advice on tendonitis treatments in this video.

Take Action

Rest the Achilles tendon
Follow all doctor instructions
consult a doctor if you have heel pain
Use a warm compress to reduce the swelling

About this Author

Jonathon J. Uy, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist from the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, Prevention and Treatment of diabetic foot wounds and in diabetic footwear. He holds degrees from the Barry University, the School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Fla. and Boston University College of Engineering in Boston, Mass. He obtained a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering, respectively. Uy did his postgraduate training at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, MedPremises Surgery Center in San Diego, and at the BUSPM/Columbia Cedars Medical Center in Miami, Fla. Uy also holds many memberships and positions on some of the finest podiatric boards and associations in the country.

JONATHON UY, M.D.: Hello, my name is Dr. Jonathon Uy and I'm going to talk about chronic Achilles tendonitis. Chronic Achilles tendonitis is the long-term inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The symptoms of chronic Achilles tendonitis is usually pain at the back of the heel. Sometimes, there maybe some swelling but because the symptoms has been there for quite a while, usually it's just pain that is felt in the back of the heel. The treatment for chronic Achilles tendonitis is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, and other prescription medications. Another is immobilization which will prevent from the irritation of the Achilles tendon. Usually the symptoms have been present for several months and MRI is usually necessary to determine if there are any tears in the Achilles tendon. Usually on MRI for chronic Achilles tendonitis, it should show no tears whatsoever on the Achilles tendon but there maybe some inflammatory process. Usually after the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and also in immobilization, sometimes physical therapy might be necessary. Usually, physical therapy might need to be referred to by your physician. Once you have Achilles tendonitis, one of the things is basically that you do not overuse it when you initially have Achilles tendonitis because after overuse and if you don't follow the instructions of your doctor, then it can get worse and can end up becoming a tear; that would indicate immobilization and casting. Initially, you should use warm compresses or heat sources to help with the pain and swelling and then you would seek attention of a healthcare provider such a podiatrist or a physician.