Heel pain & Achilles Tendinosis at  Foot and Ankle Clinic DRHC Dubai

Overview

Heel pain and Achilles tendinosis are common conditions that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. At DRHC Dubai, our expert orthopedic team provides comprehensive care for heel pain and Achilles tendon problems, ensuring effective treatment and a quick return to your normal activities.

Heel Pain

The specific cause of heel pain can be tricky to diagnose. It is an overuse injury. Pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or a cyst. With risk factors for old age and obesity this condition is also called heel spur syndrome when spur is present.

Treatment

• Rest especially for athletes (4-6)weeks
• Stretching calf muscles especially in mornings or after rest (rolling ball along the sole of the foot).
• Arch supporting heel inserts can help butting less pressure off planter facia.
• Extracorpal shockwaves therapy (ESWT) help to initiate repair the damaged facia.
• Anti inflammatory medication
• If severe, anti inflammatory injection may help.
• Surgery(rarely) to remove bone deformity and to loosen the the inflexible  muscle.

Read : What are healthy shoes and how does it affect our feet?

Diagnosis

At DRHC Dubai, we use a combination of diagnostic tools to accurately assess your condition:

• Clinical Examination: Physical evaluation to assess pain points, range of motion, and tendon stiffness.
• Ultrasound and MRI: Imaging to identify tendon damage or inflammation.
• X-Rays: To rule out heel spurs or other bone abnormalities.

Achilles tendinosis

• It is also known as degenerative tendinopathy, tendinitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, Haglund deformity.
• It occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients with a tight heel cord.
• Minor microscopic tears of the tendon that cannot heal and finally make the tendon weak, thick and painful.

Symptoms

• Posterior heel pain
• Swelling
• Burning
• Stiffness.

Treatment for Achilles Tendinosis

At DRHC Dubai, we offer a range of effective treatments for heel pain and Achilles tendinosis to restore comfort and mobility. Our approach includes:

Nonoperative Management:

• Rest and activity modification to alleviate stress on the affected area.
• Heel sleeves and pads to provide cushioning and support.
• Small heel lifts to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon.
• Ankle orthosis devices for stabilization and support.

Avoidance of Steroid Injections:

To mitigate the risk of Achilles tendon rupture, we refrain from administering steroid injections.

Surgical Intervention:

If nonoperative measures prove ineffective, we provide surgical solutions tailored to individual needs. Our procedures may include:

• Retrocalcaneal bursa excision to alleviate inflammation.
• Debridement of diseased tendon tissue to promote healing.
• Calcaneal bony prominence resection, performed either arthroscopically with small incisions or through a 3-4 cm open incision.

Why Choose DRHC Dubai?

At DRHC Dubai, we provide world-class orthopedic care with a patient-first approach. Our multidisciplinary team works closely to diagnose and treat heel pain and Achilles tendinosis using the latest evidence-based methods. We are committed to delivering personalized treatment plans to get you back on your feet—pain-free and stronger than ever.

By combining conservative treatments with advanced surgical techniques, we strive to alleviate heel pain and Achilles tendinosis effectively, restoring functionality and enhancing quality of life for our patients. Experience comprehensive care at DRHC Dubai, where your foot health is our priority.