Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment in Fort Worth & Burleson, TX

Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse condition that causes pain and stiffness in the back of the heel. It often affects active individuals but can also occur with everyday activities.

Dr. Dalton Ryba, DPM is a dual board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon providing comprehensive treatment for Achilles tendon conditions in Fort Worth and Burleson, Texas. Most cases improve with structured conservative care, but advanced treatment options are available when symptoms persist.

What Is Achilles Tendinitis?

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is essential for walking, running, and pushing off the ground.

With repetitive stress, the tendon can become inflamed or develop small areas of degeneration. Over time, this may lead to thickening of the tendon, persistent pain, and decreased function.

There are two main types:

Insertional Achilles tendinitis (at the heel bone)
Non-insertional tendinitis (higher along the tendon)

What Are The Common Symptoms?

Pain in the back of the heel
Morning stiffness
Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Pain with walking, running, or stairs
Tenderness when pressing on the tendon
Symptoms often worsen with activity and improve with rest early on.

What Are The Causes And Risk Factors?

Achilles tendinitis is typically caused by repetitive strain.

Common contributing factors include:

Tight calf muscles
Sudden increase in activity or exercise
Running on hills or uneven surfaces
Flatfoot or abnormal foot mechanics
Improper footwear

Addressing these factors is key to long-term recovery.

What Are The Treatment Options?

Most patients improve with conservative treatment.

Conservative Treatment

Structured calf stretching program
Heel lifts to reduce tendon strain
Activity modification
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
PRP Injection
Immobilization boot for more severe cases
Consistency with treatment is critical for improvement.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite several months of conservative care.

Procedures may include:

Removal of damaged tendon tissue
Bone spur removal (in insertional cases)
Tendon repair or reinforcement

Surgical planning depends on the severity and location of tendon damage.

What Is The Recovery Timeline?

Most patients improve with conservative treatment over several weeks to months.

Surgical recovery requires:

A period of immobilization
Gradual return to weight-bearing
Physical therapy

Full recovery may take several months depending on severity.

When To See A Specialist?

Pain lasting more than a few weeks
Worsening stiffness or swelling
Pain limiting activity or exercise
Persistent symptoms despite rest
Early treatment helps prevent chronic tendon damage.

Dr. Ryba sees patients in Fort Worth and Burleson, TX through
Lonestar Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists, PLLC.

When scheduling, please request an appointment specifically with Dr. Dalton Ryba, DPM.