Achilles Tendinitis – Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Achilles Tendinitis – Symptoms and Treatment Methods A common sports injury, Achilles Tendinitis occurs when the large tendon that runs down the back of lower leg becomes irritated and inflamed causing severe pain.

A common sports injury, Achilles tendinitis is an injury to the Achilles tendon - the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and normally used when you walk, run, climb stairs, jump, and stand on tiptoes. When this tendon is put under excess strain, it can become inflamed and cause tendinitis. Reputable multispecialty pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC, offer effective treatment options to address the severe pain, tenderness and other symptoms associated with this condition.

Achilles tendinitis is quite common among runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It is also affects middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball.

The condition is associated with repetitive physical activities (which overload the tendon structure), postural problems (flatfoot or high-arched foot), bone spurs in the back of your heels, exercising without a proper warm up, footwear and training issues such as running on uneven or excessively hard ground or running on slanted surfaces.

Symptoms Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include • • • • •

Tight calf muscles Skin on your heel overly warm to the touch Discomfort or swelling in the back of your heel Thickening of the tendon Severe pain the day after exercising

• • • •

Formation of swells or bumps in your foot Feeling of stiffness or weakness around your ankle Bone spurs (insertional tendinitis) Worsening pain and limited range of motion when flexing your foot

Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of this over-use injury generally begins with a detailed physical examination, wherein the physician will ask patients questions about the pain and swelling in their heel or calf. To enable assessment of range of motion and flexibility, patients may be asked to stand on the balls of the feet. Imaging tests such as x-ray (of the foot and leg bones), MRI scan and ultrasound may be ordered to detect the extent and type of tendon damage.

Treatment for Achilles tendonitis generally involves a combination of modalities like rest, antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy exercises, ice application and steroid injections. Surgery will be considered as a last resort if noninvasive treatment methods do not reduce the pain and swelling.

One of the initial steps in reducing pain is taking adequate rest. This would involve reducing or stopping activities that make the pain symptoms worse. The type and amount of rest required would depend on the extent of damage and severity of symptoms. Patients are advised not to exert additional pressure or weight on the tendon for one to two days. They may be asked to perform low-impact cross-training activities like biking, elliptical exercise, and swimming to stay active.

Wrapping a bandage or tape around your tendon will help to keep the tendon from swelling too much.

However, the bandage/tape should not be wrapped too tightly as it can limit blood flow. In addition, elevating or keeping the foot above the level of your chest can reduce swelling. Top treatment methods for Achilles tendonitis include –

✓

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and swelling.

✓

Physical therapy – Physical therapy involves therapeutic exercise programs like stretching, strengthening and isometric exercises which helps promote healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon and its supporting structures.

✓

Steroid injections – Injections that contain cortisone can reduce tendon swelling.

✓

Ice packs – Applying ice packs for about 15 minutes can help alleviate pain, and swelling.

✓

Supportive shoes and orthotics – Ankle supports and shoe inserts can promote healing and recovery. Heel lifts, (which move the foot away from the back of the shoe), may help patients with insertional Achilles tendinitis. Leading healthcare centers in Brooklyn, offer Foot Levelers Functional Orthotics soles that can be easily slipped into any type of closed footwear. By supporting the feet, orthotics help alleviate pain throughout the body and provide proper balance to the feet.

It may not be possible to prevent Achilles tendinitis fully, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. If you are starting an exercise program, begin slowly and increase intensity over time. Avoid activities that put too much stress on the tendons. Stretch daily and wear shoes with proper cushioning and arch support. Stretching and strengthening the calf muscles and alternating high-impact exercises with lowimpact exercise activities can also help.