Achilles Tendonitis

Simply Defined, Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or disease, and often causes swelling, pain, or irritation. This problem result's due to repetitive stress applied on Tendon. This often happens when we push our bodies to do too much, too soon, but other factors can make it more likely to develop tendinitis, including:

○ Sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise activity : For example, Increasing the distance you run every day by a few miles without giving your body a chance to adjust to the new distance

○ Tight calf muscles : Having tight calf muscles and suddenly starting an aggressive exercise program can put extra stress on the Achilles tendon

○ Bone spur : Extra bone growth where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone can rub against the tendon and cause pain

ACHILLES-TENDONITIS-

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ACHILLIES TENDONITIS;

  • Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning

  • Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity

  • Severe pain the day after exercising

  • Thickening of the tendon

  • Bone spur (insertional tendinitis)

  • Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day with activity.

If you have experienced a sudden “pop” in the back of your calf or heel, you may have ruptured/torn your Achilles tendon. Visit a Doctor immediately if you think you may have torn your tendon.

REHABILITATION EXERCISE FOR ACHILLIES TENDONITIS

Calf stretch: Lean forward against a wall with one knee straight and the heel on the ground. Place the other leg in front, with the knee bent. To stretch the calf muscles and the heel cord, push your hips toward the wall in a controlled fashion. Hold the position for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat this exercise 20 times for each foot. A strong pull in the calf should be felt during the stretch.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is very helpful in treating Achilles tendonitis. RICE- Rest, Ice, compression and Elevation

Supportive shoes and orthotics: Pain from insertional Achilles tendonitis is often helped by certain shoes, as well as orthotic devices. For example, shoes that are softer at the back of the heel can reduce irritation of the tendon. In addition, heel lifts can take some strain off the tendon.