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Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles
tendonitis is a condition of irritation
and inflammation of the large tendon in
the back of the ankle. Achilles
tendonitis is a common overuse injury
that tends to occur in middle-age
recreational athletes. The overuse
causes inflammation that can lead to
pain and swelling. Furthermore, Achilles
tendonitis can lead to small tears
within the tendon, and make it
susceptible to rupture
The main
complaint associated with Achilles
tendonitis is pain over the back of the
heel. This is the point where the tendon
inserts on the heel bone. Patients with
Achilles tendonitis usually experience
the most significant pain after periods
of inactivity. Therefore patients tend
to experience pain after first walking
in the morning and when getting up after
sitting for long periods of time.
Patients will also experience pain while
participating in activities, such as
when running or jumping. Achilles
tendonitis pain associated with exercise
is most significant when pushing off or
jumping.
The best treatment of
Achilles tendonitis is prevention.
Stretching the Achilles tendon before
exercise, even at the start of the day,
will help to maintain flexibility in the
ankle joint. Problems with foot
mechanics can also be treated with
devices inserted into the shoes.
Products such as heel cups, arch
supports, and custom orthotics can be
used to correct for abnormalities such
as overpronation and help prevent
Achilles tendonitis.
The
treatments of Achilles tendonitis
include:
- Rest
Resting the painful Achilles
tendon will allow the
inflammation to subside and
allow for healing. A period
of rest after the onset of
symptoms is important in
controlling Achilles
tendonitis.
-
Immobilization
In
patients who have more
significant symptoms, a
period of immobilization can
help. Either a removable
walking boot, or sometimes
even a cast, can allow the
inflamed tissue to cool down
quickly.
- Heel
Wedge
A heel wedge can be
inserted into the shoe to
minimize the stress on the
Achilles tendon. These can
be placed in both athletic
shoes and work shoes.
- Ice the
Injury
Applying ice to
the area of inflammation can
help stimulate blood flow to
the area, and relieve the
pain associated with
inflammation. Apply ice
after exercise, as well as
several other times over the
course of the day.
-
Anti-Inflammatory
Medications
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory
medications (NSAIDs) include
a long list of possibilities
such as Ibuprofen, Motrin,
Naprosyn, Celebrex, and many
others.
Achilles
tendonitis treatment can be
improved by these
medications that will
decrease pain and swelling.
Be sure to talk to your
doctor before starting these
medications.
- Physical
Therapy
Physical
therapists can help
formulate a stretching and
rehabilitation program to
work on flexibility of the
Achilles tendon.
-
Cortisone injections are
infrequently used in
patients with Achilles
tendonitis because studies
have shown an increased
incidence of Achilles tendon
rupture after cortisone
injections.
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For more info please visit
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/achilles-tendon.htm |
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