ACHILLES TENDON TREATMENT IN THE QUAD CITIES

Achilles Tendon Treatment: Comprehensive Care for Lasting Relief

At ORA Orthopedics, we know how important your Achilles tendon is for your daily movement and overall well-being. Our practice is proud to be the largest and most advanced orthopedic group in the Quad Cities, and we have been helping patients overcome Achilles tendon injuries since 1963. Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply want to stay active and pain-free, our specialized approach to Achilles tendon treatment is designed to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries

Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and plays a key role in walking, running, jumping, and many other movements. Because it works so hard every day, the Achilles tendon is vulnerable to a range of injuries. These include tendinitis, which causes painful inflammation, as well as partial tears and complete ruptures.

Who is most at risk? Athletes and active individuals often experience Achilles tendon injuries due to repetitive stress and high-impact activities. However, anyone can develop pain, stiffness, or swelling in this area. Factors like age, sudden changes in activity level, wearing unsupportive shoes, or certain medical conditions can also contribute to tendon problems.

Common symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries include:

Pain and swelling above the heel, especially after activity
Stiffness in the morning or after periods of rest
Tenderness when touching or moving the tendon
Difficulty flexing the foot or standing on tiptoe
Reduced range of motion in the foot and ankle
A popping or snapping sensation, which may signal a rupture

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking expert care early can make a big difference in your recovery and long-term tendon health.

Treatments & Conditions

Achilles Tendon Injuries
Ankle Fracture
Ankle Fusion
Ankle Replacement
Ankle Sprains
Bunions
Calcaneus (Heel) Fracture
Diabetic Foot
Foot & Ankle Pain
Hammer Toes
Heel Spurs
Plantar Fasciitis
Regenerative Medicine
Stress Fractures
Subtalar Fusion
Triple Arthrodesis

Podiatrist

Our Patient-Centered Approach

Your care at ORA Orthopedics begins with a thorough evaluation by our experienced doctors, nurses, and physical therapists. We use advanced diagnostic tools such as physical exams, ultrasound, and MRI imaging to pinpoint the cause and severity of your Achilles tendon injury. Our goal is to repair the tendon, restore strength, and help you get back to the activities you love.

We believe in a collaborative, patient-centered approach. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.

Conservative, Non-Surgical Treatments

Whenever possible, we focus on non-surgical solutions to relieve pain and promote healing. Our conservative treatment options are designed to address the root cause of your symptoms, reduce inflammation, and support your body’s natural healing process.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

Rest and activity modification, such as switching to low-impact activities like swimming or cycling and avoiding exercises that aggravate symptoms
Ice packs, compression wraps, and elevating your foot to minimize pain and swelling
Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation
Custom shoe inserts or heel lifts to support your foot, reduce tendon strain, and improve alignment
Physical therapy with targeted exercises to strengthen your calf muscles, improve flexibility, and restore your range of motion. Our therapists may use stretching, strengthening, massage, and running reeducation techniques
Immobilization with a walking boot or splint to protect the tendon during healing, especially in cases of severe pain or partial tears
Shockwave therapy, which is a minimally invasive treatment that uses focused energy to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain

Our physical therapists will guide you through a rehabilitation program tailored to your activity level and goals. We emphasize gradual progression, proper technique, and ongoing support throughout your recovery journey.

Dry Needling for Achilles Tendon Pain

Dry needling is an advanced therapy that can be highly effective for Achilles tendon injuries. This technique uses fine, sterile needles to target trigger points in the calf muscles and surrounding tissues, helping to release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. By addressing muscle tightness and promoting natural healing, dry needling can complement your rehabilitation program and accelerate recovery. Our skilled physical therapists perform this treatment with precision and care, ensuring your comfort while enhancing flexibility and restoring optimal tendon function.

Surgical Expertise When Needed

If conservative treatments are not enough to restore full function, our skilled surgeons will discuss your surgical options in detail. ORA Orthopedics offers the latest minimally invasive techniques for tendon repair, debridement, and tendon transfer. Surgery may be recommended for severe ruptures, chronic tendinitis that does not respond to other therapies, or cases where significant tendon damage is present.

Surgical options may include:

Minimally invasive repair using small incisions and specialized instruments to fix the damaged tendon, which helps reduce scarring and recovery time
Debridement to remove damaged or degenerated tissue and promote healing
Tendon transfer, which uses a healthy tendon from another part of the foot to reinforce the Achilles tendon when extensive damage has occurred
Calf muscle lengthening to relieve tension on the tendon and improve flexibility

After surgery, our team supports you through every step of rehabilitation. We provide clear instructions, regular monitoring, and encouragement to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Recovery and Prevention

Most patients recover well with a combination of expert care and dedicated rehabilitation. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment, but our team is committed to helping you regain your mobility as quickly and safely as possible.

Here’s what you can expect during recovery:

Initial rest and protection of the tendon
Gradual reintroduction of weight-bearing activities
Progressive strengthening and flexibility exercises
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Education on proper footwear, activity modification, and injury prevention

To help prevent future Achilles tendon problems, we recommend:

Warming up before exercise and stretching your calf muscles
Gradually increasing activity intensity and duration
Wearing supportive, well-fitting footwear
Avoiding repetitive stress and uneven surfaces
Listening to your body and resting when you experience pain

Our goal is not only to treat your current injury but also to empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain long-term tendon health.

Why Choose ORA Orthopedics?

Providing expert orthopedic care to patients across the Quad Cities—including Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa, and Moline and Silvis in Illinois—as well as nearby communities throughout the region. We offer convenient hours; ORA Orthopedics makes it easy to access specialized Achilles tendon treatment. Our patient-centered philosophy, innovative therapies, and commitment to education mean you can trust us with your orthopedic health.

We combine decades of experience, leading-edge technology, and a compassionate approach to deliver the highest standard of care. Our team is dedicated to helping you move forward with confidence, whether you are recovering from an injury or looking for ways to stay active and healthy.

Ready to take the next step toward relief and recovery? Contact ORA Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment with an experienced doctor. We are here to help you get back to the activities you enjoy, with expert care every step of the way.