Achilles Tendon Injury
Tendonitis & Rupture Care in Irvine
The Engine of Your Foot
The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. It connects your powerful calf muscles to your heel bone, acting as a critical spring every time you walk, run, or jump. It has two major functions during running: it absorbs shock as your heel strikes the ground, and it contracts forcefully to lift your heel during the "toe-off" phase.
When the force applied to the tendon exceeds its inherent strength—often due to sudden sprints, excessive uphill running, or wearing shoes with poor heel stability—the fibers begin to fray and tear. This leads to severe pain, inflammation, and potentially a complete rupture. Dr. Soltani categorizes and treats these injuries based on their exact location.
Insertional Achilles Tendonitis
This type of tendonitis occurs right where the tendon inserts into the back of the heel bone. The pain usually comes on gradually, feeling tender to the touch. This condition is frequently complicated by the formation of bony heel spurs rubbing against the tendon, or inflammation of the bursa sac (bursitis). Treatment often involves aggressive rest, custom orthotics to stabilize the wobbly heel, and specialized physical therapy.
Non-Insertional Achilles Tendonitis
This injury occurs about 2 to 6 centimeters above the heel. The tendon begins to degenerate, fray, and thicken—much like a rope that has been stretched too far. Patients often report severe stiffness first thing in the morning that eases after walking for a few minutes. It is almost invariably caused by friction from stiff, high-backed shoes or explosive uphill running.
Achilles Tendon Rupture (The "Pop")
A rupture is a catastrophic medical emergency. It usually occurs during sudden acceleration, like sprinting or lunging on a tennis court. Patients often hear a loud "pop" and feel as though they were violently kicked in the back of the leg. You will immediately lose the ability to stand on your toes.
A classic diagnostic check is the "squeeze test": if a doctor squeezes your calf muscle and your foot does not point downward, the tendon is completely severed. Treatment requires either prolonged immobilization in a cast or surgical repair to stitch the ends back together. For both acute tears and chronic tendinopathy, Dr. Soltani frequently utilizes advanced regenerative stem cell therapy to dramatically accelerate the body's natural healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Podiatry Services
Comprehensive Care For Your Foundation
With more than 20 years of experience treating patients with complex foot and ankle problems, we are proud to be one of the most reliable podiatry clinics in Irvine, California.
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Stem Cell Therapy
Advanced regenerative medicine designed to treat joint degeneration, inflammation, and chronic pain without surgery.
Custom Orthotics
Our comprehensive podiatric system includes custom foot orthotics to correct mechanics and provide stronger pain relief.
Why Choose Us?
Over 20 Years of Clinical Excellence
You may be surprised to know that your feet are not supposed to hurt. If you are experiencing daily foot pain, you are not alone; nearly sixty percent of the population seeks help for a foot problem every year. If you are looking for a trusted specialist in Orange County, we are here to help you get back to a pain-free life.
20+ Years Podiatry Experience
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