Pain Relief For Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendinitis in San Diego

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-EEZ) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is characterized by dull or sharp pain anywhere along the back of the tendon, but usually close to the heel. Achilles tendinitis is a common injury that makes the tendon swell, stretch, or tear.

It is one of the most common running injuries, and can become a debilitating condition when it is not properly treated, to the point where even walking is painful. Although Achilles tendinitis is mainly diagnosed in runners, it does occur in basketball, volleyball, dancing, gymnastics and other athletic activities, this is also very common among running athletes.

Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury, but can also be caused by tight or weak calf muscles or any condition that causes the tendon to become less flexible and more rigid, such as reactive arthritis or normal aging.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump. Although the Achilles tendon can withstand great stresses from running and jumping, it is also prone to tendinitis, a condition associated with overuse and degeneration.

Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot. This tendon is called the Achilles tendon. It allows you to push your foot down. You use your Achilles tendon when walking, running, and jumping. Read more here.

Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles’ tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. The diagnosis of an Achilles tendinitis is generally made on physical examination.

Causes

There are two large muscles in the calf. These create the power needed to push off with the foot or go up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel. Heel pain is most often due to overuse of the foot. Rarely, it is caused by an injury. Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger people. It can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes.

Achilles tendinitis may be more likely to occur if:

• There is a sudden increase in the amount or intensity of an activity.
• Your calf muscles are very tight (not stretched out).
• You run on hard surfaces, such as concrete.
• You run too often.
• You jump a lot (such as when playing basketball).
• You do not wear shoes that give your feet proper support.
• Your foot suddenly turns in or out. See more here.

Pain from insertional Achilles tendinitis is often helped by certain shoes, as well as orthotic devices.  Most cases of this pain are treated with simple at-home care, such as engaging in less strenuous exercise or taking a break from a regular exercise routine, and ice, compression, and elevation in the acute stages.

Prevention and treatment of Achilles tendinitis

If you start experiencing Achilles pain, stop running. Take aspirin or ibuprofen, and ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day until the inflammation subsides. Self-massage may also help. Once the nodule is gone, stretch the calf muscles. Don’t start running again until you can do toe raises without pain. Next, move on to skipping rope, then jumping jacks, and then gradually begin running again. You should be back to easy running in six to eight weeks.

If injury doesn’t respond to self-treatment in two weeks, see a physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon. Surgery to scrape scar tissue off the tendon is a last resort, but not very effective and often just stimulates more scar tissue. Try these alternative exercises: Swimming, pool running and bicycling (in low gear). Stay away from weight-bearing exercises. Read full article here.

Avoid And Cure Achilles Tendinitis Now!

The most important way to manage Achilles tendinitis is to rest. Patients that suffer from chronic of this pain are more at risk for complications because degeneration and disorganization of the Achilles tendon that reoccurs may lead to small tears in the tendon. And who suffer from this foot pain are advised to allow time for the tendon to fully recover before returning to regular physical activity such as sports or working out. If the warning signs of Achilles tendinitis are ignored or it is not allowed to heal properly then the injury can become chronic.

If you caught this condition early on, Achilles tendinitis will heal on its own with just the taking of some simple treatment measures at home. If you’re experiencing foot pain that is Achilles tendinitis, we want to help you get out of pain and back to the activities you enjoy! We also want to show you the best exercises and other ways to stay pain-free. Call us now for an appointment (619) 831-8777.

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