Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of Achilles tendon when it is put under excessive strain.
The Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles with heel bone. It is found at the back of lower leg. It is the largest tendon in our body.
The inflammatory response is not only limited to the Achilles tendon but also includes inflammation of the surrounding sheath and/or degeneration within the tendon.
Cause
Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs.
Other factors can also make a person more likely to develop Achilles tendinitis, including:
- A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise activity.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Haglund’s deformity. This is a condition in which there is enlargement of the bone on the back of the heel. This can rub on the Achilles tendon and cause inflammation and pain.
Haglund’s deformity is when there is abnormal bone growth near where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.
Tendonitis Versus Tendinitis, The Differences According to Science
If you’re not sure of the difference between tendonitis and tendinitis, you’re not alone.
That said, the main difference between these two health conditions is that tendinitis is characterized by inflammation. Often this occurs following a sudden injury to a tendon. (Tendons are the tissue between the muscles and bones.)
Tendonitis, by comparison, does not cause inflammation and commonly links to a repetitive strain injury. Of course, there are many more differences between these two painful health conditions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning
- Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity
- Severe pain the day after exercising
- Thickening of the tendon
- Bone spur formation (insertional tendinitis)
- Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day or with activity
- Pain on the back of the heal when you wear shoes
Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
In most cases of Achilles tendinitis, nonsurgical treatment options will provide adequate pain relief, although it may take a few months for symptoms to completely subside. Even with early treatment, the pain may last longer than 3 months.
The mainstays of nonsurgical treatment include anti-inflammatory pain medications, activity modification, shoe wear modification, and physical therapy exercises.
Rest
The first step in reducing pain is to decrease or even stop the activities that make the pain worse. If you regularly participate in high-impact exercises (such as running), switching to low-impact activities will decrease the amount of stress on the Achilles tendon. Cross-training activities such as biking, elliptical exercise, and swimming are low-impact options to help you stay active.
Ice
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling. They do not, however, reduce the thickening of the degenerated tendon. Using the medication for more than 1 month should be reviewed with your primary care doctor.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is very helpful in treating Achilles tendinitis. Specific exercises and stretches can help to strengthen the calf muscles and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
When to see a doctor
If you experience persistent pain around the Achilles tendon ,call your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain or disability is severe.
You may have a torn(ruptured )Achilles tendon.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is mostly the last option and is performed to repair the damaged tendon. It is recommended in severe cases when recurrent Achilles tendinitis has caused rupture of the tendon.
However controlling the symptoms at the earliest and nourishing and supporting the functions of the tendon are the best ways to avoid any progression of the injury.
Elena Blagoeva -Physiotherapist