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Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis refers to a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a band of tissue connecting heel bone to calf muscle of leg. The Achilles tendon helps rise up on the toes and facilitates walking. Therefore, any inflammation or tearing of tendon following injury, makes it almost impossible to walk. The pain is felt at the back of leg near the heal. The tearing of tendon, called rupture also gives pain near heel.
How does Achilles Tendonitis occur?
- Achilles tendonitis may occur on overuse or over stressing of achilles tendon.
- The tightening of calf muscles and achilles tendon causes achilles tendonitis.
- The condition of Achilles tendonitis may develop after running on upward slop.
- The participation in activities that entail sudden stops and starts and repetitive jumping as in baseball, basketball, football, tennis, running and dancing might lead to achilles tendonitis.
- The participation in sudden activity such as jumping or sprinting might cause tearing of achilles tendon.
- People occasionally exercising and those beginning exercise program are prone to achilles tendonitis as their muscles and tendons do not have adequate flexibility after a period of inactivity.
- People who wear high heeled shoes at work and switching to low heeled shoes for exercise may also fall prone to this condition.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis:
In many cases symptoms do not appear all of a sudden as mild pain occurs initially but it gradually worsens with continued activity.
The inflammation may increase and cause rupture of achilles tendon if it is under constant and repeated stress.
Rupture of tendon may cause traumatic damage and severe pain and make it altogether impossible to walk. The rupture often takes a long time to heal. A sensation of completeness may be felt atthe back of the lower leg in those having achilles tendonitis.
Those experiencing pain on the tendon during exercise may be having achilles tendonitis. Swelling over the Achilles tendon, Redness over the skin are also the symptoms of achilles tendonitis.
Feeling of a creaking while pressing fingers into the tendon and moving the foot may also indicate the condition of achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendon of those having achilles tendonitis becomes stiff especially in the morning.
If walking upward slope or upstairs causes pain in the tendon, it may indicate the condition of achilles tendonitis.
Firs aid for Achilles Tendonitis:
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) Therapy:
Keep off your foot as much as you can to take rest and apply cold through ice caps for nearly twenty minutes in the gap of every one hour for one or two days. Press the ankle and foot by wrapping it firmly with elastic bandage and elevate the foot whenever it is possible for you to reduce swelling.
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as prescribed by your doctor. Ibuprofen may help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
- Go to a sports injury professional who guide you on treatment and rehabilitation.
- In some cases of severe injuries the foot may be put in a cast for several weeks.
- The tendon may need surgery in case it is torn.
Prevention of Achilles Tendonitis:
- Warming up through stretching of calf muscles and achilles tendons before engaging in physical activity is one of the effective ways to prevent achilles tendonitis.
- You can prevent this condition by selecting right footwear.
- Don't run too uphill too much in case you are prone to achilles tendonitis.
When to see your doctor?
- Visit your doctor if the pain near the back of heel or in the area of achilles tendon persists for over one or two weeks even in spite of self-care.
- See your doctor if you heard a pop in your Achilles tendon during injury.
- Also see your doctor immediately if you have symptom of rupture of Achilles tendon.
- If swelling occurs in the area of archilles tendon, you should
- When area of achilles tendon is swollen, you should consult your doctor.
- Visit your doctor if you feel numbness or tingling in your foot or pale or bluish skin.