This device or software is intended for use only for general wellbeing purposes or to encourage or maintain a healthy lifestyle, and is not intended to be used for any medical purpose (such as the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, management or treatment of any medical condition or disease or contraception. Any health-related information provided by this device or software should not be treated as medical advice. Please consult a physician for any medical advice required.
In a medical emergency call 995 or visit the nearest Accident & Emergency department. Use of this symptom checker shall be at your sole discretion and risk. Parkway Group Healthcare Pte Ltd and its affiliates (including Parkway Shenton Pte Ltd) do not accept any responsibility for any reliance by you on the information provided.
Your doctor will conduct a physical examination to check for symptoms such as swelling, pain on the back of the heel and limited range of ankle movement.
Diagnostic tests
Your doctor may also recommend one of these diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the damage and decide on appropriate treatments:
Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) produces detailed, cross-sectional images of the organs and tissues within the body and will reveal any tissue degeneration or rupture.
Ultrasound scans can reveal inflammation or damage in the soft tissues, muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and joints. An ultrasound scan is one way to detect injuries to your Achilles tendon.
X-rays are usually not needed to diagnose Achilles tendonitis. It may be requested to rule out bone-related causes of pain such as bone spurs on the heel or stress fractures.
How is Achilles tendonitis treated?
Your doctor will recommend appropriate treatments for Achilles tendonitis based on the causes, symptoms and extent of the injuries. These treatments should help to reduce your heel pain and repair your tendons.
Non-surgical treatments may include:
Heat pads to relax muscles and increase blood flow
Ice packs to minimise swelling
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain
Physiotherapy to increase strength and regain mobility
Rest to treat the swelling
Steroid injections to treat the swelling
Stretching to loosen the calf muscle
Surgery is usually offered as an option only if:
You experience repeated injuries and persistent pain
The tendon ruptures or tears
There are loose ligaments
If you experience pain in your heels or ankles, it could worsen if left untreated. Speak to our orthopaedic specialists for an accurate diagnosis to find the most appropriate treatment for you.
Heel pain not only limits your everyday activities, but may also point to an orthopaedic condition. Find out which are the common conditions that may cause heel pain and what are the symptoms to look out for.
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in our bodies, yet Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common sports injuries for the ankle. Read more about Achilles tendonitis and its special connection to women.
Need help?
For appointment bookings, please Whatsapp +65 8198 7777
For clinic or corporate matters, please call +65 6227 7777
