2016;81:629-635. doi:10.12659/PJR.899317, Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. Dr. Cunha received his DPM from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency as the Chief Resident at the Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University where he specialized in lower extremity trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. If you have chronic pain in this area, compression can also help reduce swelling further to give your body an edge when it comes to healing time. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Increase Flexibility in My Big Toes, How to Wrap a Pulled Quad With Athletic Tape, Foot Health Facts: Achilles Tendon Rupture, MedicineNet.com: Ankle Pain and Tendinitis, FamilyDoctor.org: Ankle Sprains -- Healing and Preventing Injury. Secure the bandage with Velcro or a safety pin. Check Price at Amazon. According to the Mayo Clinic, serious side effects of use include stomach bleeding, ulcers and stomach pain. [v161376_b01]/. Older adults are more likely to develop Achilles tendonitis because the tissue becomes less elastic with age. He also holds Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Diagnostic and Interventional certifications from the American College of Rheumatology and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. This piece will act as an anchor section. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process. For example, taking over-the-counter pain medication, like anti inflammatory medication, can help reduce pain. More common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis that may warrant a trip to the doctor include mild-to-moderate aches in the back of the leg or above the heel, especially after a sports activity or exercise. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Do not start wrapping from the top towards the bottom. If several months of more-conservative treatments don't work or if the tendon has torn, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair your Achilles tendon. Do you have an Achilles tendon injury? "A lot of help. Enjoy! However, if yours doesn't have Velcro, you will need to use a safety pin to secure the end. 4th ed. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Keep the ice on for 15-20 minutes at most. Although comforting from the pressure an ace bandage supplies to the injury site, this useful bandage does not support the ankle or foot after an injury like a cast or splint would. It is important to keep the leg elevated above the level of the heart. Proven Ways to Strengthen and Heal an Elbow with Tendonitis. Obviously, if K-taped works well, use it. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. This content does not have an English version. I like the 2 methods shown. Elevation Elevating the affected leg can also help reduce pain and swelling. Achilles Tendon Rupture, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, accessed 4/2/2016. The idea here is similar to how a physical therapist would treat this condition by providing support through taping in order for it to heal faster. These tips are backed by scientific research, meaning they work! It functions by lifting the skin slightly away from the muscle tissue underneath it so that there's space for blood vessels to flow through freely. Provide compression (or pressure) by applying a gauze bandage, ACE bandage or Coban, or store-bought ankle support. This can happen from overuse or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. Research source. ", demonstrated and see if it helps. In addition, custom-molded insoles or orthotics can provide extra cushioning, support and stability. 2015;6(4):380-6. doi:10.5312/wjo.v6.i4.380, Vyas S, Bhalla AS, Ranjan P, Kumar S, Kumar U, Gupta AK. Its function is to raise your heel off the ground to assist with walking, running or jumping. If you feel that your Achilles tendon is injured enough that it needs to be wrapped, consider having it looked at by a doctor. Wraps or compressive elastic bandages can help reduce swelling and reduce movement of the tendon. References Make sure you arent wrapping too tight or rigid to limit your ankle flexion on the dance floor. Rest the leg, apply ice for about 15 minutes after exercise, reduce movement of the tendon by wrapping it with an ace bandage, and raise the foot above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. However, they can also get stressed due to other injuries. This will usually get worse when you exercise and may cause a popping or snapping sensation that can be heard by others nearby or even yourself were to put your ear down to the injured area. If the pain associated with your Achilles tendon is severe or if you experience a sudden disability with the flexion of your foot, then see a doctor immediately. Wrap so it fits snug, not too loose or too tight. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Secure the area of the wide tape by adding more anchor pieces across your foot and ankle. Brian Richards is an attorney whose work has appeared in law and philosophy journals and online in legal blogs and article repositories. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There are several things that can increase your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis, which include: Achilles tendonitis is often caused by repetitive stress on the tendon, such as from overuse during sports or exercise. 1 May 2020. [1] Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from University of California, San Diego and a Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark School of Law. Make sure you tell your doctor about any recently increased physical activity involving your lower legs since this is likely the source of the injury. Leave a little bit of room to pull through on both ends so you will be able to tie it off at the end without too much difficulty. Wrap tightly, but not so tight as to cut off circulation. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases where other treatments have failed to provide relief. The key to getting the right support from your ACE Brand Elastic Bandage is proper wrapping technique. Steps for removing athletic tape. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Use a gauze bandage if you are also covering wounds from an injury. Start with the wrap rolled up and unwind it as you go. You should also seek help if you cannot point the affected foot downward. Stretch your Achilles tendon by moving your foot in all directions. . Therapists often prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to promote healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon and its supporting structures. The taping technique is similar for both. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"