The structure connecting a muscle to a bone is called a tendon. The Achilles tendon is the large band of tissues that connect the muscles in the back of or lower leg to our heel bone. The Achilles tendon is also called the heel cord. We use the Achilles tendon when we run, walk, or push up on our toes.
Achilles Tendonitis is an injury that occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes irritated or inflamed.
What causes Achilles Tendonitis-
Overuse-
Increasing athletic activities very fast.
Misalignment
Short or tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles,
Disproportionably weak calf muscles.
Misshapen heel or other foot bones.
Improper Footwear
Shoes or sports shoes with too much or too little cushioning, heel support and motion control.
High heels and worn out shoes or sports shoes also cause Achilles Tendonitis.
Symptoms-
People suffering from Achilles Tendonitis have a mild pain after exercise or running that gradually worsens, sluggishness in their leg, severe pain in the tendon during or few hours after running. Swelling and stiffness have also been noticed.
Now we will see how Achilles Tendonitis can be prevented.
The risk of Achilles tendonitis can be reduced by increasing your activity level gradually. Start slowly, which will help you determine your limits and follow a sensible exercise program. Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons. If you participate in an activity which is tiring, start by warming up. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest. The shoes you wear while exercising should provide adequate cushion for your heel and should have a firm arch support to help reduce the tension in the Achilles tendon. If your shoes are in good condition but don\'t support your feet, try arch supports in both shoes. Always stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning, before exercise and after exercise to maintain flexibility. Performing exercises such as toe raises, especially with a slow return to the ground after each toe raise, trains the muscle-tendon unit to tolerate more loading force.
Achilles Tendonitis can progress to a degenerative condition called Achilles tendinosis, in which loses its organized structure, making the tendon very weak, and fibrous. Continued stress to the Achilles tendon will cause it to tear and will require surgery to correct the damage.
For treatment, self-care measures such as rest, ice and pain relievers can be tried. To relieve the stretched tendon, a temporary foot insert which elevates the heel can be used. In severe cases, a walking boot or crutches to enable the tendon to heal are suggested. Nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy and perhaps a change in the exercise program, should allow the tendon to heal and repair itself over a period of weeks. If left untreated and if the tendon continues to sustain small tears through exercise and repeated movement, the tendon can rupture under excessive stress.
Recovery can be sped up by the following home care methods.
Rest- Activities that increase pain or swelling should be strictly avoided.
Ice- To decrease pain and swelling, apply ice to the injured area for up to 20 minutes, several times a day. Ice packs & ice massages really help.
Compression- Because swelling can result in loss of motion in an injured joint, compress the area until the swelling has ceased. Wraps or compressive elastic bandages are best.
Elevation- Raise the affected ankle above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. It is especially important to use this position at night.
However, if these treatments do not work, surgery to remove the inflamed tissue from around the tendon will be, perhaps the only way.
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