A doctor explains why your Achilles tendon has shooting, stabbing pain and what can be done to remedy this situation.
“Pain here is generally the result of tendonitis or inflammation of the Achilles tendon,” says Asim S. Aijaz, MD, a board certified pain management specialist with Advanced Pain Care in Texas.
He continues, “You can also develop tears in the tendon which would also cause tendonitis and pain.”
So how does this situation arise in the first place?
Dr. Aijaz explains, “As with tendonitis in other parts of the body, this is often related to repetitive use or over-exertion, causing tears or degenerative changes in the tendon.
“Bone spurs at the heel can also cause small tears in the fibers, causing Achilles tendon pain.
“Tight calf muscles can also result in increased stress on the Achilles tendon.”
Solutions
“Rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, appropriate stretching (generally the calf muscles) and appropriate shoes,” says Dr. Aijaz.
“If symptoms persist, physical therapy can be very helpful.”
Also keep yourself well-hydrated, as tendons don’t get a lot of water because they are not densely vascular.
Dr. Aijaz has been involved with the Texas Pain Society, Spine Injection Society and the American Society for Interventional Pain Physicians.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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