Achilles tendinitis - By: injurys

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It is estimated that Achilles tendonitis accounts for around 11% of all running injuries1. The Achilles tendon, named after the seemingly indestructible mythological Greek warrior, is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It is found in the back of the ankle, connecting the large calf muscles to the heel bone. The tendon plays a major role to transmit the power of the calf to the foot resulting in the ability to walk, run, jump and dance. Occasionally the Achilles tendon looses the ability to keep up and the tendon becomes inflamed resulting in Achilles tendonitis.
Greek Mythology
Achilles, the son of Thetis and Peleus, was the strongest and most fearless warrior in the Greek war against the Trojans. As an infant his mother dipped him into the River Styx, which made him invulnerable everywhere except the heel by which she held him. For ten years Achilles was a great hero in the Trojan War. But in the end, Paris, son of the Trojan king, fatally wounded Achilles in the heel. Today, the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone is called the Achilles tendon, and a small but significant weakness is known as an “Achilles heel.2”

Achilles tendonitis causes
Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury in runners and other athletes who run and jump often during sports like basketball, volleyball, football. It is also common in people not involved in sports, eg. Improper footwear, too much training, wearing high heels constantly, weak or tight calf muscles, people with flat feet or hyperpronated feet (feet that turn inward while walking) and side effects of medications like quinolone group of antibiotics, cortisone etc.
Achilles tendonitis symptoms
Achilles pain occurs just above the back of the heel and often one experiences tightness in the calf muscles. Pain is present with walking and running, especially when pushing off on the toes. Achilles tendonitis can be acute or chronic. Acute Achilles tendonitis pain develops over a period of days at the back of the ankle and just above the heel bone. Pain often starts at the start of exercise and decreases as exercise continues. It has been observed that pain eases with rest. Chronic Achilles tendonitis often follows from acute tendonitis that fails to heal properly. In this case pain is constant throughout exercise or sports activity. This type of pain is often worse in the morning upon waking and eases as you warm up and stretches the tendon. There may be redness, soreness and tautness. Ache in the tendon when walking particularly uphill or up stairs. There may be nodules or lumps in the achilles tendon, particularly 2-4cm above the heel.
Achilles tendonitis treatment
Treatment for mild Achilles tendon problems includes rest, ice therapy, over-the-counter pain medicine, and stretching exercises depending on the severity. At the first time of Achilles tendon pain, avoid or limit the activities like running. In mild cases, a runner may continue to run and still allow their injury to heal by simply reducing their mileage. In severe cases, complete rest with crutches or a walking cast or boot may be needed for a short time. Stop speed training and hill running. Begin gentle calf stretching after exercise. Post exercise icing to reduce inflammation and pain may also help. Avoid excessive training and stretching exercise to that could aggravate the problem.
Regular Pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen can help to relieve pain and reduce swelling temporarily. Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach pain, stomach bleeding, ulcers and other side effects. Herbal supplements used in conjunction with stretching exercise also helps to reduce inflammation. Herbs like White willow, devil’s claw, Ginger, Bromelain, Boswellia, Turmeric, Pluchea, Commiphora helps to relieve pain naturally. These herbs have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Steroids are sometimes injected to deal with inflammation, but must be done after careful, expert consideration because it can increase the risk of tendon rupture. Severe cases may require surgery from an orthopedic surgeon.

About the Author

Although treatment for Achilles tendon takes its time, it usually works. Most of the people after treatment can successfully return to a life of sports and other activities.

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