The Achilles tendon is a tendon that stretches from the calf to the heel. This tendon is important in weight support. However, overwork can cause strain on the Achilles tendon that can be painful and can even lead to sprain. This condition doesn't usually require surgical treatment, and can be treated easily at home or by a doctor.
Rest and Cold Wrap
One of the most important ways to treat an Achilles tendon sprain is to rest the ankle as much as possible. Take time off work and use a cane or crutches to keep as much weight as you can off the injured foot. Apply a cold pack to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This will help reduce some of the swelling in the area. After icing, remove the ice pack for an hour before reapplying. This ice pack treatment should only be temporary, as too much icing can actually cause further swelling. This should be the first step in your treatment.
Medical Treatment
Any sprain, including an Achilles tendon sprain, should be medically treated. Ice and rest aren't enough. Once at the doctor, you will be given many options for treatment. The doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines including ibuprofen. Over-the-counter aspirin can also be used to treat inflammation, as long as it has ibuprofen. You will likely be given a brace to stabilize the sprained area to avoid further damage. Depending on the damage, you can get anything from a simple plastic brace to a full plaster cast. You may be sent to a massage therapist to soothe the pain. You can also do many of these massage therapies at home, but it is best to have the massage therapist do them for you. Steroid shots may also be given.
Blood Flow Wrap
One new and potentially useful product is the Blood Flow Wrap. This product alleges to help heal sprains in the ankle and Achilles tendon by stimulating blood flow to your ankle. The product will heat your ankle. This allegedly opens up the veins in your legs and speeds up blood flow. White blood cells are one of the necessary components for healing. Getting more of these to a damaged area would help it heal faster, so the product is operating under a strong medical idea. However, the product itself hasn't been tested under rigorous medical conditions. Most of the proof of its effectiveness is testimonial evidence. Heat has long been used to prevent swelling and promote healing, so it may be worthwhile to try it out.
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