What Is the Difference Between Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis?
If you experience foot pain, it can be difficult to know what the cause may be. Both Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis are common conditions that can be treated with conservative and minimally invasive procedures.
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which is located at the back of the leg and is responsible for connecting the calf muscles to the heel. This condition is common in runners who have suddenly increased the length or speed of their runs, or in “weekend warriors” – middle aged adults who only play sports on the weekends.
Achilles tendinitis pain is usually mild to start, and then progressively gets worse or is aggravated by longer runs or sprints. Pain is located in the back of the leg above the heel, and stiffness may also be present early in the morning.
Treatment of Achilles tendinitis is generally conservative and includes medication, physical therapy and strengthening and stretching exercises. For severe cases of Achilles tendinitis or if the tendon has ruptured, minimally invasive surgery to repair it may be required.
Plantar fasciitis is also common in runners, and pain is generally located in the heel. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Those who are overweight or who continuously wear unsupportive shoes are also at risk for developing plantar fasciitis.
Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually sharp, and is generally worse when first waking or when standing after sitting for a long period of time. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually begins conservatively with medications, physical therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, or the use of splints to stretch the plantar fascia into a lengthened position while you sleep. Injections of a corticosteroid into the affected area may also help with pain.
If conservative measures fail, minimally invasive surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone may be required.
For more information on minimally invasive procedures for Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis at Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey, call 973-940-3166 or visit our information page.
Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.
For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.
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