What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon runs parallel to the shin bone at the back of the ankle. It starts at the heel bone and runs along the tibia. It is the strongest tendon in our body. Achilles means stronger in Greek. Inflammation of this tendon is called Achilles tendinitis. It is the main cause of back pain. This tendon lifts the calcaneus when walking and running. Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and running place undue stress on Achilles tendonitis. In this case, tendinitis may occur.
Tendonitis is known as Achilles tendinitis for short. Inflammation is swelling, pain, and tenderness in our body that causes healthy tissues to respond to injury or disease as a result of overuse. Tendinitis in the middle of the Achilles tendon is usually degenerative and is the result of excessive stress on the insertion sites. Tendinitis media usually occurs in young, active people. It is most commonly seen in the area where the heel rests on the bone. Calcifications and bone spurs may appear. Inactivity is common in the elderly.
What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?
There is no direct injury in the development of Achilles tendinitis. Based on the stress of the Achilles tendon, we can list the causes of Achilles tendonitis as excessive stress, sudden increase in activity, constantly wearing high-heeled shoes and being overweight. Achilles tendinitis can also occur with improper training, short warm-ups, sports on uneven surfaces, very high arches and uneven legs. In addition, hemodialysis patients, diabetics, and people with an anatomically high posterior superior calcaneal ridge are at increased risk for Achilles tendinitis.
Symptoms that Trigger Achilles Tendinitis
Moving too fast after the break. Sudden increase in speed while running. Incorporating stair climbing or mountain running into routine sporting activities. Muscle overuse. Putting extra weight on the foot. Sudden or forceful contraction of the calf muscle. Increased pain after exercising and running. Morning pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon. Increased pain and tenderness at the tendon insertion site after excessive activity. Morning pressure tenderness at the point above the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus. Reduction in overall stiffness as the tendon is heated using muscle. Thickening and swelling of the tendon.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Give your feet a rest by avoiding activities that could cause further injury. Ice packs may be recommended to reduce inflammation for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis. Compression: Wrapping with an elastic bandage or compression stocking can help minimize swelling and support the foot. Body: Raising your leg above heart level also helps reduce swelling and pain. Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to treat pain. Exercise: You can do physical therapy exercises to increase flexibility, range of motion and energy. Injection Therapy: This can be a pain-relieving injection in the back of the heel to relieve pain and inflammation.