Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It anchors the calf muscles to the heel bone, which subjects it to very high forces involved in walking, running, and jumping. It can become inflamed and painful from
overuse, and even tear from too much stress and pressure.
We see Achilles tendonitis in all sorts of patients, Injuries may seem to
happen suddenly, but they usually result from tiny tears that
occur over time. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to treat.
Achilles tendonitis can happen to anyone at any age. It’s a nagging injury that can get worse if untreated or ignored.
Preventing Achilles Injuries
The biggest mistake people make is ignoring the pain, pain is a sign that something is wrong. If your Achilles pain persists, see a Podiatrist.”
To reduce the risk of Achilles tendonitis or a rupture, we recommend the following:
- Stretch your calf muscles. Stretching is key to injury prevention. Do it in the morning and before/after exercise to maintain flexibility.
- Start slow. Make sure you take time to warm up. And ease into a new exercise program or activity: start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Going from nothing to full bore can cause big problems.
- Wear the right shoes. Wear supportive shoes with adequate cushioning. Replace your worn-out shoes. Avoid shoes with a stiff back or tight strap.
- Listen to your body. Don’t do activities that cause pain. And if you feel pain, stop
Types of Achilles Tendinitis
When the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated, it is called tendinitis. There are two distinct types:
- Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis, which is caused by small tears within the tendon. This type of tendonitis is common in athletes and active adults in their 30s to 60s, including runners and those who play tennis and basketball.
- Insertional Achilles tendonitis is damage that occurs in the spot where the tendon meets the heel bone. It’s often associated with a bone growth, or spur, known as Haglund’s deformity, which irritates the tendon. Although it occurs most often in older patients, this type of tendonitis can happen at any age, even in people who are not active.
Treating Achilles Tendinitis
Treatment works best—and can prevent additional injury—when Achilles tendinitis is diagnosed and treated early.
The Achilles has an amazing ability to heal. We can get good results even without surgery. Minor Achilles tendon discomfort can be treated with rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, stretching, and ice. Using a heel lift or walking boot also can help take the pressure off the tendon.
If you have trouble walking because of your heel pain, you should see a Podiatrist.