“Achilles question?”
Around a month ago I was in gym class doing some exercise, my foot got stepped on and I felt a quick noticeable pain in my Achilles. It scared me at first but went to my soccer game that night and couldn't feel it. I cannot feel it when I run, walk, or anything else although when I put pressure on my heel and lift on my toes it is pretty painful. I've contemplated just going to the doctor to check it out but haven't, as I can't feel it unless I put pressure on my heel. Just wondering if I could get some advice on whether I should get someone to check it out, stretches to help it heal, something to be worried about, or if it's something to just forget about.
Male | 14 years old
Complaint duration: about 1 month
11 Answers
If the pain is not improving after 1 month, I would recommend for your parents or legal guardian to take you to see a foot and ankle specialist for an exam and imaging studies.
Try icing and anti-inflammatories. BUT, if you're 14 and you are still growing, which most 14 year olds are, you may have developed a problem with the growth plate in your heel. It comes from traction of the Achilles on the growth plate, but could also have arisen from an injury. It is called Apophysitis, because the growth plate on your heel is called the Apophysis, and it is irritated. Unfortunately, the only treatment is rest and anti-inflammatories. Also, icing the are is beneficial. If it progresses, it will start to interfere with your activity and sports. I recommend 1 month with NO running, NO soccer, No lower extremity activity, at all.
I recommend you ask your parents to make an appointment for you with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options.
It sounds as if you strained the Achilles tendon a little. I would recommend stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, contrasting ice and heat at this point, and start doing some toe raises to exercise the calf muscles. Be careful with the running and try to ice afterward. If it is still bothering you 6 weeks after the injury, then see a physician to get it checked out.
Take care and good luck.
Dr. Eric Miller- Orland Park, IL
Take care and good luck.
Dr. Eric Miller- Orland Park, IL
you should see a specialist and will require a probable MRI
Don't overstretch. Try a cloth ankle brace first. Then, consult with your local podiatrist.
Sounds like you have achilles tendonitis or haglaunds deformity. both related, definitely see me or local podiatrist for xray to begin remedy and find treatment solutions.
I recommend getting it checked out to rule out a strain of the Achilles’ tendon before stretching it out if it is still bothering you.
Go to a foot and ankle specialist immediately. IT sounds like a simple sprain or maybe partial tear. But if it is damaged and left alone it could get worse right away.
Heel pain is frequently associated with plantar fasciitis. Stretching of calf muscles and plantar fascia may lessen heel pain.
It sounds like a strain in the Achilles’ tendon. Absent being seen by a podiatrist it sometimes helps to wear a lift in the shoe to offload the heel. Continue to ice it.
