ORTHOPEDICS/LEG, FOOT & ANKLE/THERAPY & SURGERY
All about Achilles tendon pain
The Achilles tendon is the principal and leading tendon in the body.
The Achilles tendon joins the calf (the gastrocnemius) with the soleus muscles of the lower leg to the foot heel bone.
The Achilles tendon is very strong, but not so flexible.
When inflamed, Achilles tendon can cause uneasiness starting from a slight ache, soreness to serious pain, particularly when curving the foot downward.
Achilles tendon pain/causes
The Achilles tendon pain most frequent causes are:
Achilles tendonitis (a more aggressive condition) and Achilles tendonosis (more chronic).
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is the Achilles tendon more important and inflammatory damage that most frequently affects athletes, specifically runners, or people who play sports that necessitate lots of starting and stopping, such as tennis.
The Achilles tendonitis most prominent sign is burning pain that worsens with activity.
Along with pain, mild inflammation may occur, as well as morning stiffness in both the heel and calf.
Here are some of the Achilles tendonitis factors:
- training in cold weather
- flat fleet or foot misalignment
- Meager running form
- Leg length difference
- Having a medical disorder like psoriasis
- high blood pressure
- obesity
- Rarely, a class of antibiotic medications called fluoroquinolones has been linked with Achilles tendonitis
Achilles Tendonosis
Different from Achilles tendonitis, Achilles tendonosis describes a chronic, degenerating tendon resulting from an untreated tendonitis.
With Achilles tendonosis, the collagen fibers that constitute the tendon deteriorate or break down. This deterioration causes along with pain the formation of scar tissue, which may lead to enduring coagulating.
Achilles Tendon Falling-out
The Achilles tendon fall-out following a sudden and strong shock usually exerted on the tendon.
When the Achilles tendon does fall-out, along with severe heel pain, a “pop” or “snap” is sometimes heard and there may be a visible gap where the tendon is torn. (Usually, with a tendon rupture, a person cannot walk anymore)
When to See a Doctor?
When pain is developing in the leg back
When Leg or ankle improve toughness or bruising
When an inflammation is felt over the Achilles tendon
When a difficulty standing on tiptoes occur
When any Sign of an infection like redness or warmth around the ankle or leg appears
A doctor visit is required.
Achilles tendon pain / Diagnosis
The Achilles tendon pain diagnosis is generally done clinically, meaning your doctor will ask you questions about your pain and perform a physical examination.
Imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound is prescribed
Physical Examination
A physical exam of the foot and ankle is possibly the key to diagnosing the damaged part behind an Achilles tendon pain.
Some leading elements of the physical exam include
- Palpating (pressing on) the zone around the Achilles tendon for inflammation, warmth, crepitus (popping feeling), and tenderness; all of these features may be present with severe Achilles tendonitis.
Imaging (MRI)
Imaging of the ankle is not generally needed to diagnose Achilles tendon difficulties, unless a tendon rupture is causing or contributing to your pain.
An ultrasound of the Achilles tendon may be performed to access for tendon coagulating (as seen in Achilles tendonosis).
Differential Diagnoses
Some of the more common Achilles tendon disorders include an ankle sprain, stress crack, or heel bursitis (called calcaneal bursitis).
Other conditions that may be considered as well include:
Osteoarthritis
Inflammatory arthritis (for example, rheumatoid arthritis or gout)
Fibromyalgia
Blood clot in the calf (called deep venous thrombosis)
Infection (for example, osteomyelitis or cellulitis)
Bone cyst or cancer (rare)
Along with these measures, an X-ray may be performed to confirm a diagnosis.
Achilles tendon pain / Therapy
There are numerous therapies involved with treating Achilles tendon pain, including activity alteration, medicine, physical therapy, and probably, surgery.
Self-Care
Self-care strategies can be exerted to treat Achilles tendonitis and be helpful in the immediate care of a probable Achilles tendon falling-out, such as: relaxation, Ice applying, Using supports, Orthotics (medical shoes), and Medicines
Achilles tendon pain / Physical Therapy
Few training exercises may be with great help for recovery from Achilles tendonitis, such as:
Toe raises, toes balancing and wall stretching exercises.
In addition, Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an interesting modality sometimes performed in the therapy of Achilles tendonosis.
Achilles tendon pain / Surgery
An Achilles tendon falling-out most frequently necessitates surgical restoration by an orthopedic specialist within one to two days of the damage.
During surgery, the two ends of the separated tendon are sutured together.
Achilles tendon pain / Prevention
The main cause of Achilles tendon difficulties is ignoring early warning symptoms and pushing through the pain.
Stretching before starting hard training is important for preventing an Achilles tendon damage.
Besides stretching, allow an appropriate warm-up.
Strengthening
Some trainers also believe that eccentric strengthening of the Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles may decrease the risk of Achilles tendonitis and calf strain.
Other tips that may help preventing an Achilles tendinitis include:
- Wearing special shoes that provide satisfactory cushioning for your heel and good arch support
- Avoid running on hard surfaces
- Avoid exercising in cold weather