Achilles Tendinitis (Tendinopathy)

Achilles Tendinitis - condition of degenerated achillies tendon (large tendon behind the ankle connecting calf muscles and the heel bone) tissue that accounts for 11% of all running injuries.

Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Achilles tendonitis can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic if the acute tendonitis is not properly treated or healed. Acute tendonitis begins with gradual onset of pain that goes away after stopping physical activity or stress on the achillies tendon. With proper rest or treatment, acute tendonitis can heal permanently.

If acute achillies tendonitis is not properly rested or treated and the wear and tear continues to stress the tendon, chronic achilles tendonitis may develop. Chronic achillies tendonitis is characterized by longer durations of pain, swelling, tenderness. It also takes less stress to trigger the swelling and pain with activities like simple walking often triggering symptoms. More symptoms of acute achillies tendonitis are stiffness, especially in the morning, thickening of the tendon, skin redness, tenderness to touch and palpation. Some people report lumps in the tendon, particularly above the heel.

Achilles Tendonitis Causes

The most common cause of achilles tendonitis is repetition, stress and overuse that cause inflammation. Other reasons for developing achillies tendonitis are decreased rest or recovery periods, change of footwear that does not comply with body mechanics, weak or tight supporting leg muscles, hill-training that causes extra stretching and puts pressure on the tendon, and for women, the wearing of high heel shoes, which cause the achillies tendon to shorten and become more elastic.

Achilles Tendonitis Treatement

To reduce initial swelling and relieve inflammation of the tendon, first treatments are rest and ice therapy. A common approach is to temporarily wear a heel pad to raise the heel and take some strain off the achilles tendon. In general, pay attention to your footwear and make sure it properly supports the heel, and does not rub against the achillies tendon as constant rubbing can cause inflammation. Some people try taping the back of the leg to support the tendon.

People suffering from achillies tendonitis can take anti-inflammatory medications and add more anti-inflammatory foods to their diets.

Some people prefer topical anti-inflammation creams. There are a number of medical procedures that can help with treatment like

• Ultrasound treatment
• Sports massage
• Steroid injection
• Surgery if all other treatments fail