Tendinitis of the heel

Symptoms include pain in the heel and along the tendon when walking or running. The area may feel painful and stiff in the morning.

The tendon may be painful to touch or move. The skin over the tendon may be swollen and warm. You may have trouble standing up on one toe.

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The doctor will look for tenderness along the tendon and pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.

X-rays can help diagnose arthritis.

An MRI scan may be done if your doctor is thinking about surgery or is worried about the tear in the Achilles tendon.

Images

Inflammed achilles tendon

Review Date: 10/31/2010
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)