Achilles Tendonitis
This article does not constitute as medical advice.
If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your doctor or make an appointment.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon connects two calf muscles to the heel and is the largest tendon in the body. Achilles tendinitis is a condition where this tendon gets overused, resulting in inflammation and pain. This is a common condition seen in athletes of varying abilities and ages as well as ordinary people who exercise regularly. In general, Achilles tendinitis is more common in older athletes and middle-aged people.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
- Overuse of the tendon while running, jumping, climbing or walking for exercise or athletic training for various sports. Especially those sports that involve intense activity on hard surfaces like basketball, soccer, volleyball, running etc.
- In addition to overuse, inadequate warm-up or rapid loading of the workout (increasing the intensity too quickly)
- A bone spur or bony growth
- Flat feet may aggravate the condition.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
- Heel pain and inflammation
- Tenderness and swelling above the heel in the morning
- Inability to put down the foot or heel in the morning
- In general, the pain will increase with activity and use
Treating Achilles Tendonitis
Rest: Rest the tendon or modify the activities that aggravate the condition. In addition, it is encouraged to change the activity that stresses the injury. This could include swimming instead of running.
- Ice: Icing the painful area, several times a day
- Bandage: Use of a strapping bandage to support the tendon
- Gel: Use of an analgesic gel or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to relieve pain
- Shoe Inserts: Inserts in the shoes under the heel and footwear with good support
- Physical Therapy: Stretching exercises and massage that are recommended by a professional therapist. Likewise your therapist may recommend ultrasound and shock wave therapy
- Surgery: In addition, surgery is an option for extreme cases where patients have not responded adequately to the other treatments.
