The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body which stretches from the calf muscles to the bones of the heel. It can be easily felt at the back of ankle and above the heel. Besides being the largest tendon, it is prone to injuries which may occur in many forms including inflammation of the tendons and partial or complete rupture, or tear of the tendons.
The most common disorders related to Achilles Tendons are:
- Achilles Tendonitis: It is the inflammation of the tendon which usually occurs due to overexertion or overuse of the tendons such as during running, playing, dancing etc. The inflammation is short lived but can progress into deterioration of the tendons if proper treatment is not given on time.
- Achilles Tendonosis: It is the degeneration of the tendon and occurs if Achilles tendonitis is not treated properly. In this condition the tendon loses its structure and develops tiny tears which may also lead to rupture of the tendon, in severe cases.
Causes:
Achilles Tendon disorders, also known as “overuse” disorders, are generally caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity which puts pressure on the Achilles Tendons. Other causes may include:
- Increase in level of physical activity too quickly
- Lack of proper stretching before exercise
- Wearing high- heels
- Feet conditions like flat feet
- Improper techniques used for exercise
- Tight muscles or tendons
- Bone Spur
Symptoms:
- Pain near the back of the feet, which is generally severe during morning or after rest
- Pain worsens with activity
- Stiffness and tenderness
- Disorganized tendons
- Tendon thickens
In case of severe pain and inflammation, the patient should seek immediate orthopedic care as the condition may deteriorate and lead to ruptured (torn) tendons.
Treatment:
The treatment for Achilles Tendon depends upon the severity of the condition which is checked by the orthopedic doctor by performing X-Rays and MRI’s etc. The condition can be treated by both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Non-surgical treatments:
- Immobilization: This is the first step towards reducing the pain. An orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to take complete rest and avoid motion as physical activities may worsen the pain.
- Ice Packs: Ice is used to reduce the inflammation over the tendons. Ice compression can be helpful for the patient suffering from acute pain and inflammation. The ice should not be applied directly rather a towel should be used for applying ice to the infected area.
- Anti-Inflammatory medications: An orthopedic surgeon may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and the swelling.
- Exercise: There are certain exercises which help in reducing the stress on the Achilles Tendon.
Surgical Treatment:
The surgical treatment for the disorder may be considered only if the patient does not show any signs of improvement after the non-surgical treatment. The surgery depends on the amount of damage to the tendons and the location of the tendinitis.
