Achilles tendonitis is a common sports injury caused by overuse and repetitive motion. It describes a condition where the tendon that runs down the back of your ankle becomes swollen. Tendonitis can cause pain and even keep you from participating in your favorite sports. Here are four things you can do to treat your Achilles tendonitis.

1. Rest your ankle.

When you have Achilles tendonitis, the first step in treatment is to rest your ankle as much as possible. You should postpone high-impact activities like running until your doctor tells you it's fine to resume them.

If you need to exercise during this time, choose low-impact sports that are easy on your ankles, such as swimming or bicycling. While the setback in your training can be frustrating, remember you'll be back on your feet sooner if you give your body the time it needs to recover.

2. Soothe the inflammation.

Achilles tendonitis is caused by inflammation in your tendon. Unfortunately, once your tendon is swollen, it will continue to rub against the inside of your ankle, causing even more irritation that will lead to more swelling.

Break the cycle by stopping the inflammation at its source. Apply ice to your injured ankle to reduce swelling. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can also help. Your doctor may recommend that you take NSAIDs at a specific therapeutic dose at their discretion.

3. Wear a brace.

If you work in a physical job that requires you to be on your feet, total rest may not be possible. If that describes your situation, you may be able to benefit from the use of an ankle brace.

An ankle brace provides compression that can assist in fighting inflammation. It also provides additional stability which can make walking more comfortable. If you wear a brace, you should take it off at night to give the skin on your ankle a chance to air out.

4. Visit a specialist.

In some cases, you may not notice any improvement, even with self-care. Visit your doctor to obtain a referral to a specialist who deals with podiatric sports medicine. They can examine your ankle and prescribe treatment to get you back on your feet again. Physical therapy can help alleviate your symptoms by strengthening your calf muscles, according to VeryWell Health. If your podiatrist discovers that your tendon is actually torn, you may need surgery to repair it.