Achilles Tendinitis Heel Pain In Seniors: How Podiatrists Can Help
Posted on: 16 February 2023
Aches and pains inevitably become more common as we get older, but if you are an older person suffering from chronic, debilitating heel pain, you may be stricken with something more serious. Achilles tendinitis can affect anybody of any age, but older people can be especially vulnerable. Fortunately, podiatrists can offer a range of effective, non-invasive treatments that will help get you back on your feet.
What Is Achilles Tendinitis?
The Achilles tendon is a strong, thick piece of connective tissue, that connects the bones in the heel of your foot to the muscles in your lower leg. It allows you to tilt your foot downwards and is therefore used every day when you walk, run, and jump. If the Achilles tendon becomes damaged for any reason, it may become inflamed, a condition known as Achilles tendinitis.
Achilles tendinitis pain usually centers in and around the heel of your foot. This pain can range from mild to excruciating, depending on how damaged the tendon has become and usually gets worse when you place pressure on the affected heel(s). Many people report that the pain is at its worst first thing in the morning when you first get out of bed and stand up.
Achilles tendinitis can also cause the ankle of the affected foot to become stiff, which can significantly hamper your mobility (especially if you have pre-existing joint problems).
Why Are Seniors More Vulnerable To Achilles Tendinitis?
As we age, the tissues in our body become more fragile and take longer to recover from injuries and overexertion. The Achilles tendon is no exception and becomes more vulnerable to accidental damage as you age. If you are overweight or engage in strenuous exercise routines, you may be especially vulnerable to Achilles tendinitis.
You may also be more likely to develop Achilles tendinitis if you suffer from chronic conditions that are more common in older people. Age-related arthritis can make your Achilles tendons lose strength and flexibility, making inflammation more likely. Older people with diabetes are also more vulnerable, especially if their blood sugar levels are frequently too high.
How Can Podiatrists Treat Achilles Tendinitis?
If you are suffering from pain and stiffness in one or both of your heels, you should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to have your feet examined. X-rays and MRI scans are commonly used and will help rule out other conditions that can cause heel pain, such as bone spurs.
To reduce pain, your podiatrist can prescribe oral medications that numb pain and reduce inflammation in the damaged tendon(s). Make sure to tell your podiatrist about any other medications you are taking, such as statins or blood thinners, as some of these drugs can be dangerous when mixed with pain medications.
For more severe pain, your podiatrist may inject corticosteroid medications directly into the painful heel(s). These injections provide effective, long-lasting pain relief, and can help to reduce stiffness and restore mobility.
Orthotic inserts are commonly prescribed to older patients. These shaped inserts are individually crafted for each patient and can be inserted into your everyday footwear. They subtly change the shape of your foot as you stand and walk, and can help to reduce strain and pressure on the recovering tendon. These inserts are especially useful if you have other conditions or injuries that affect the way you walk, such as hip or back problems.
Your podiatrist can also provide you with night splints. These are special braces that are worn on the affected foot or feet while you sleep. They stop you from unconsciously moving your feet while you sleep, which can help speed the healing process and prevent accidental injuries.
Speak to a podiatrist to learn more about heel pain relief.
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