- info@irosm.com
- 3333 West Commercial Blvd , Ste 101 Fort Lauderdale , Fl, 33309
(954) 751 6990
(954) 751 6990
Pain, tightness or swelling at the back of the heel or lower calf usually comes from the Achilles tendon, the thick cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is common in runners, weekend athletes and adults who suddenly increase their activity.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale uses in-office ultrasound to see whether the tendon is irritated, thickened or torn, and builds a non-surgical plan for appropriate candidates.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Achilles tendon pain usually comes from one of these problems:
Common triggers include a sudden jump in running or jumping, tight calves, poor footwear, and age-related tendon wear. Dr. Gonzalez evaluates Achilles pain at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to tell these apart, because the treatment for each is different.
A calf or Achilles cramp is a sudden, tight squeeze of the calf muscle that often comes on at night or during exercise and eases within minutes with stretching. Achilles tendon pain is different. It tends to feel stiff first thing in the morning, hurt at the start of activity, and ache along the tendon itself.
Frequent cramps with tendon tenderness, swelling or a thick spot on the tendon are worth an exam. Sudden pain higher up in the calf is often tennis leg, a calf muscle tear, rather than an Achilles problem. A sudden pop with trouble pushing off the foot needs prompt care, as it can mean a rupture.
Diagnosis of Achilles tendon pain at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale starts with a hands-on exam of the tendon, calf and heel. Dr. Gonzalez then uses in-office ultrasound to look at the tendon in real time. Ultrasound shows swelling, thickening, small tears and full ruptures, and lets Dr. Gonzalez watch the tendon move as you flex your foot.
In the video at the top of this page, Dr. Gonzalez shows what an Achilles tendon tear looks like on ultrasound. Learn more about ultrasound for orthopedics and sports medicine.
Most Achilles tendon pain is treated without surgery. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, a plan may include:
A guided program of slow calf-strengthening exercises is the first-line treatment for Achilles tendinopathy and is supported by research.
Cutting back on running and jumping for a while, supportive shoes and small heel lifts can reduce strain on the tendon.
For pain that lasts despite a full exercise program, a PRP injection placed with ultrasound guidance may be considered. See PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale.
For some patients, injections using your own (autologous) cells prepared in our Advanced Regenerative Lab may be an option. See orthobiologic treatments.
Research on injections for Achilles tendinopathy is mixed (see below), so Dr. Gonzalez explains the evidence before recommending one. Achilles treatment is not right for every patient, and results vary. Candidacy is decided at an in-person evaluation. In this video, an athlete shares his experience with regenerative treatment for an Achilles injury at IROSM.
Surgery may be considered for a full Achilles rupture, especially in active people, or for long-lasting tendon pain that has not improved after a full course of non-surgical care. Some ruptures are also treated without surgery using a special boot and a structured rehab plan. If surgery is the better fit for you, Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral to a foot and ankle surgeon.
Heel and ankle pain can also come from nearby problems. See plantar fasciitis and ankle arthritis treatment in Fort Lauderdale.
Providing Achilles tendon pain and injury evaluation and treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale for an in-office ultrasound and a clear plan for your Achilles tendon pain.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Achilles tendon treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
