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How Do You Know if You Have an Achilles Injury?

How Do You Know if You Have an Achilles Injury?

Do you feel a shooting, stabbing pain in the back of your heel? Is it worse in the morning or after prolonged sitting? Do you experience stiffness or swelling in your ankle? These could be signs of an Achilles injury. This painful condition affects the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. The Achilles tendon provides strength and flexibility to your ankle joint. If you suspect you may have an injury, it’s important to seek professional care from a Waterloo chiropractor or other healthcare provider. In this blog post, we will examine the symptoms of Achilles injury and the treatments that can help you feel better.

Symptoms of Achilles Injury: 

The symptoms of an Achilles injury may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms can range from mild to severe, including: 

  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the ankle.
  • Weakness or stiffness in the ankle.
  • Limited mobility, especially when walking, running, or jumping.
  • A snapping or cracking sound or sensation at the time of injury.
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention to prevent further damage to your Achilles tendon. 

Treatments for Achilles Injury: 

Treatment for Achilles injury may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Here are some common treatments that may help alleviate your pain: 

  • Rest: In should avoid activities that aggravate your injury immediately.
  • Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Compression: Wrap the affected area in a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
  • Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above your heart as much as possible to decrease swelling.
  • Physiotherapy: A licensed physiotherapist can work with you to restore mobility and strength while minimizing further injury. 

Physiotherapy: 

Physiotherapy can help people with an Achilles injury in many ways. It will depend on the severity of the injury and whether the Achilles tendon is ruptured or not. A physiotherapist will guide you through a series of rehabilitation exercises, stretches, and massages designed to help restore strength and improve your mobility. 

Chiropractic Care: 

Chiropractic care is another option for treating an Achilles injury. Treatment may include adjustments to the affected area, soft tissue massage and mobilization, and exercises to relieve pain and restore function. Chiropractic care aims to reduce inflammation and improve joint mechanics to promote healing. 

An Achilles injury can be a painful and debilitating condition. If you experience pain and discomfort in your ankle, it’s important to seek medical attention. Treatment options may range from rest, ice, compression, and elevation to physiotherapy or chiropractic care. By seeking professional care, you can reduce your symptoms and prevent further damage to your Achilles tendon. 

About the Author

Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC is a chiropractor at CARESPACE Uptown Waterloo. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Waterloo, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.