Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles is named after the Greek God Achilles who could only be harmed on the ankle. This is where the term Achilles tendon has come from. Achilles tendon is a large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body. Achilles tendonitis is a condition that occurs to this large tendon causing irritation, inflammation and substantial pain. Also what can happen is a rupture of the Achilles tendon, which feels like a sudden painful kick in the back of the ankle. This however is a lot less common than Achilles tendonitis.

Causes

The most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is a lack of flexibility or overpronation. Other more uncommon causes can be, recent changes in footwear, a change to exercise training schedules, or if an athlete increases his mileage or adds hill training into his routine.

Symptoms

People with Achilles tendonitis tend to experience the most significant pain, after periods of inactivity for example first thing in the morning or a long time sat down. Common symptoms tend to be mild pain after exercise that gets progressively worse, localised pain along the tendon during or a few hours later, stiffness of the lower leg, swelling around the area.

Treatment

In the first instance the doctor will tell the patient to rest to allow the inflammation to settle, he will also recommend that any sport that may make the pain worse should be ceased immediately for at least a week. Regular pain relief with anti-inflammatory drugs will be recommended such as ibuprofen. The route of steroid injections may be taken. Bandaging may be used also shoe inserts, heel lifts or supports may be used this will help take the stress off the tendon. Physiotherapy may be used to help strengthen the weak the muscles. And the very last port of call would be to operate, however this is rare.

After treatment has been carried out it is advisable to take things slowly and not to rush, as this could cause re-injury and further serious problems could occur. Build up exercise slowly and take care when running on an incline.