Achilles’ Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Achilles’ Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The Achilles tendon goes from the calf to the heel bone connecting the plantaris, the gastrocnemius, and the soleus muscles which surround this area and are attached to the heel bone. When this tendon becomes inflamed, this is what is known as Achilles’ tendinitis.

The Achilles tendon allows the flexion of the foot, therefore allowing activities such as walking, jumping, and running. Carrying out these activities or any other exercise that requires flexing this tendon intensely or applying pressure to it can be harmful since it is the aggressive flexion of it that can cause tendinitis.

Also, age is another factor to be considered, tendons start to wear out after the age of thirty, which is why we should be more careful with how we stress these tissues. One common cause of Achilles’ tendinitis is the lack or the bad practice of warming up activities before a workout or a sports session. In the same way, stressing the tendons during intense physical activity in an irregular way can also make these tissues more vulnerable to injuries. In other words, more than exercising, it is the fact of exercising or practicing sports only occasionally which can be detrimental. 

Finally, another cause of this kind of tendinitis is the use of wrong size or bad quality shoes and the constant use of high heels, which naturally strains the tendon.

Some of the most common symptoms of this issue include:

• Swelling around the calf and the kneel area.
• A sudden sensation of pain or pain when the foot is flexed. This symptom is usually more intense after physical activity.
• Stiffness of the muscles around the calf.
• Difficulty to move the affected area which includes intensified pain while doing some movements such as standing on the toes.

To heal from Achille’s tendonitis, the patient must:

• Rest the affected area as much as possible, immobilization with a brace would be ideal in some cases.
• Applying ice to the swollen area to reduce the inflammation.
• Medicine to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation are helpful.
• Therapy sessions can also be greatly beneficial. Some kinds of therapy include stretching, massaging, ultrasound therapy, and others.
• Adding a heel pad to the shoes to keep the heel elevated and reduce the pressure caused by the shoes.
• Corticoid and local anesthesia injections are other alternatives.
• Also, surgery is an option for people like athletes who are constantly active. 

Just like any other kind of tendinitis, rest is key for a good healing process. However, it is always better to prevent. Some good prevention measures include doing a safe warmup session before practicing any sports or working out. Introducing exercising routines gradually and being careful when increasing the intensity of the activity and finally wearing well-cushioned shoes.