Achilles Tendon Problems: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional immediately if you think you have an Achilles tendon problem (at or above the back of your ankle) and:

• The back of your heel and ankle are very painful.
• You felt a sharp pain like a direct hit to the Achilles tendon.
• You heard a pop in your Achilles tendon when injured.
• You are unable to walk comfortably.
• Your Achilles tendon area has begun to swell.
• You have signs of damage to the nerves or blood vessels, such as numbness, tingling, a pins-and-needles sensation in your foot, or pale or bluish skin.

If you have had an Achilles tendon injury in the past and you have reinjured your Achilles tendon, call your health professional to find out what you need to do. Rest your lower leg and foot until treatment begins.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you have severe pain in the Achilles tendon area. If you think you have injured your Achilles tendon, call your health professional. Early treatment is most effective in healing the Achilles tendon.

If you think you have Achilles tendinopathy, rest your lower leg and foot for a couple of days and avoid any hard activity. Use ice and pain-relieving medicines to reduce the pain and swelling, and follow the other steps in the Home Treatment section of this topic. If you have weakness, cramping, or constant pain in your Achilles tendon, call your health professional.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnosis and treat an Achilles tendon problem include:

• Emergency medical specialists, for sudden and severe (acute) Achilles problems.
• Family medicine physicians or internists who are familiar with foot and ankle injuries.
• Podiatrists who are familiar with sports injuries.
• Sports medicine specialists.
• Orthopedic surgeons, particularly for an Achilles rupture.

You may be referred to a physical therapist for exercises to rebuild your Achilles tendon and leg muscle strength.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	January 30, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Nicola Maffulli, MD, PhD - Orthopedics
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC