Lower Leg

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. the fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscles. This condition is often caused by irritation of the tendon and typically the first stage of an Achilles tendon injury and should be treated right away. Without treatment, the tendon can tear or rupture, which may require surgery.

Causes of Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by straining the Achilles tendon through intense activity or a sudden increase in exercise.

Individuals who play basketball often develop Achilles tendinitis as a result of pivoting, jumping, and running. These repetitive movements put pressure on the tendon and can gradually wear it down over time.

Increasing the intensity of your workout may also lead to the development of Achilles tendinitis. This is commonly seen in long distance runners who do quite a bit of uphill running. Similarly, if you start exercising more frequently you may also develop the condition due to overuse of the tendon. Not stretching properly before exercise can also make the tendon more phone to injury.

Achilles tendinitis is also common in individuals whose feet have a flattened arch, as this places more stress on the tendon. The condition can also be triggered by arthritis, as joint pain can cause one to compensate by putting more pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendinitis symptoms

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:

  • Creaking sound when touching or moving the tendon.
  • Dull pain when walking or standing on the toes.
  • Stiffness around the tendon in the morning the gradually decreases throughout the day.
  • Swelling and inflammation around the ankle.
  • Tenderness around tendon.

Treatment of Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis can typically be treated at home by following the R.I.C.E. treatment method:

  • Rest – Rest the tendon by avoiding activities that irritate the tendon or increase swelling. However, this does not mean you should be completely inactive for long periods of times, as this can cause stiffness in you joints. It’s still important to stretch in order to maintain strength and flexibility and partake in activities that don’t put direct pressure on the tendon, such as bicycling.
  • Ice – Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, every couple hours, as needed, to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression- Use compression bandages to help reduce swelling.
  • Elevation – Elevate your ankle above the level of your heartt to help reduce swelling. It is particularly important to do this at night while you sleep. Simple place a pillow or two under your ankle to keep it elevated.

Once the tendon has healed, be sure to gradually return to more strenuous activities. If flattened arches contributed to the injury, wear shoes with appropriate support or inserts to prevent the condition from progressing or recurring.

If these non-surgical treatments have not been able to provide relief of symptoms after several months, surgery may be performed to move inflamed tissue. However, this is not usually recommened unless all other options have been echausted. Consault your doctor for more information about surgical treatment options.

Achilles tendinosis is a chronic condition in which tiny tears develop in the Achilles tendon. This tearing occurs gradually due to overuse or strain and typically affects individuals in their 30s and 40s. As tears form in the tissues, blood flow to the area is reduced, limiting the ability for the tendon to heal. The condition can be very painful and will become progressively worse without treatment.

Causes of Achilles tendinosis

Achilles tendinosis is typically caused by overuse of tendon, making sudden movements that strain the Achilles tendon, or wearing improper footwear.

It is common for individuals who play sports that involve pivoting, jumping, running, and pushing off from the toes (such as basketball or football), to develop Achilles tendinosis. These sudden movements place strain on the Achilles tendon and, over time, can cause to deteriorate, making it more likely for small tears to form in the tissue, Failing to stretch and warm-up before exercising, can also lead to Achilles tendinosis, as the tendon is more susceptible to injury when it is tight.

Wearing shoes with high arches that stretch the Achilles tendon, or switching back and forth between heels and flats, can also strain the tendon and contribute to tendinosis.

Achilles tendinosis symptoms

Symptoms if Achilles tendinosis may include:

  • Development of scar tissue that may cause a noticeable thickening of the tendon.
  • Pain and soreness around the Achilles tendon , located between the heel and calf.
  • Reduced range of motion in the ankle.
  • Stiffness and creaking of the tendon, particularly in the morning.
  • Swelling around the Achilles tendon.
  • Weakness or pain when pushing off from the toes.

Treatment of Achilles tendinosis

Achilles tendinosis can be treated by resting the foot and reducing stress on the tendon, allowing it time to heal. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, can be taken during this time to reduce pain and inflammation.

A boot or brace may also be worn to keep the foot in place and help with healing, However, the foot shouldn’t be kept immobilized for too long at a time as this can cause the tendon to become weaker and prone to further injury. For this reason, physical therapy and stretching exercises are an equally important and necessary part of treatment.

It typically takes at least a few weeks for the tendon to heal. However, since blood flow is particularly important in the healing process, it may take longer if you have poor circulation. If the condition is severe and non-surgical treatments have not worked after several months, surgery can be performed to either remove scar tissue or transfer another tendon to help restore function. Contact your doctor to discuss your options and determine which treatment would be most appropriate for you.

An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete tear of the fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscle. This is often caused by a sudden movement that overextends the tendon and usually occurs while running or playing sports such as basketball or racquetball. Achilles tendon rupture can affect anyone, but occurs most often in middle-aged men.

h2 bold- Causes of Achilles tendon rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture is often caused by overstretching the tendon. This typically occurs during intense physical activity, such as running or playing basketball. Pushing off from the foot while the knee is straight, pivoting, jumping, and running are all movements that can overstretch the Achilles tendon and cause it to rupture.

A rupture can also occur as the result of trauma that causes an over-stretching of the tendon, such as suddenly tripping or falling from a significant height.

The Achilles tendon is particularly susceptible to injury if it is already weak. Therefore, individuals who have a history of tendinitis or tendinosis are more prone to a tendon rupture. Similarly, individuals who have arthritis and overcompensate for their joint pain by putting more stress on the Achilles tendon may also be more susceptible to an Achilles tendon rupture.

Achilles tendon rupture symptoms

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:

  • A popping sound that accompanies the sudden pain when the injury occurs.
  • Inability to stand on tip-toes or push off when walking
  • Pain, swelling, and bruising near the heel.
  • Sudden and severe pain in the back of the neck or calf when the injury occurs, as if struck by a hard object.
  • Visible gap in the tendon above the heel bone.

One way to comfirm the injury is to squeeze the calf muscle while lying on your stomach. If the foot does not point or move when the calf muscles are squeezed, then the tendon is likely torn.

Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture

A ruptured Achilles tendon can be treated with or without surgery.

Non-surgical

Non-surgical treatment typically involves wearing a brace or cast for the first six weeks following the injury to allow time for the ends of the torn tendon to reattach on their own. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may be taken during this time to reduce pain and swelling. Once the tendon has reattached, physical therapy will be needed to strengthen the muscles and tendon. A full recovery is usually made within four to six weeks.

Surgical

During surgery, the ends of the tendon are stitched back together. Following the surgery, a brace or cast must be worn for about six weeks to allow the tendon to heal. Physical therapy will be needed to help maintain strength and flexibility of the muscles and tendon.

Contact your doctor to determine which treatment would be best for you.

An Achilles tendon tear is a seperation of the fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscle to heel bone. A tear ofter occurs during intense physical activity and is most common among athletes and those in their 30s and 40s.

Causes of an Achilles tendon tear

A tear in the Achilles tendon is typically caused by a sudden movement that outs stress on the tendon. However, a tear can also be a trauma-induced and result from a fall in which sudden force is placed on the tendon, causing it to overstrech.

Overuse of the tendon or repetitive motion that wears the tendon down over time may contribute to the injury. Also, individuals with a history of tendonitis or tendinosis are more susceptible to a tear since the tendon has already been injured.

When your Achilles tendon is tight and inflexible, it is more prone to injury. Refusing to stretch before exercising can increase your risk of an Achilles tendon tear.

Achilles tendon tear symptoms

Tearing of the Achilles tendon is often described as a sharp pain accompanied by a popping sensation felt behind the ankle. There is typically swelling and bruising around the torn tendon, and it may be difficult to point your toes. Walking and standing on your toes may also be painful.

Treatment for an Achilles tendon tear

A tornĀ  can be treated with or without sugery. Individuals who are not very active, and those who do not want to take the risks involved with sugery, often choose non-surgical treatment; athletes and those with active lifestyles typically choose to have the surgery.

Surgical

During surgery, the ends of the torn tendons are stitched back together, and a splint is worn for the next 4-6 weeks while the tendon heals, As with any surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure, including infection and scarring. However the risk of another tear is reduced, and it is more likely for strength to be fully regained in the tendon.

If you have a torn Achilles tendon, consult your doctor about your treatment options. Each case is slightly different and your doctoe will be able to help you decide which treatment is best for you.