The calf muscles are attached to the calcaneus or the heel bone by the Achilles tendon.
The Achilles tendon is also used when walking, jumping, running, and standing on the balls of one’s feet.
In some cases, continuous and intense physical activities (i.e. running, jumping, etc.) can result to an inflamed Achilles tendon.
This painful inflammation is known commonly as Achilles tendinitis.
What are some of the causes of Achilles tendinitis?
In most cases, excessive exercise and walking are considered the likely culprits.
That being said, it does not come as a surprise that the condition is very common among athletes.
However, in some instances, factors that are not associated to exercise have also been known to contribute to the risk.
For example, rheumatoid arthritis and infection have been believed to be correlated to the condition.
Basically, repeated activities that put strain and stress to the Achilles tendon can cause the condition to manifest.
Other likely causes of Achilles tendinitis can include the following:
- Exercising without proper warm-up.
- Engaging in sports that entail hasty stops and direction changes like football, tennis, basketball, etc.
- Doing repeated exercises and other physical activities that put a strain on the calf muscles.
- Wearing ill-fitting footwear.
- Wearing high heels for really long periods.
What are the risk factors for Achilles tendinitis?
Certain factors have been known to increase one’s risk of Achilles tendinitis including:
- Age – Achilles tendinitis is more likely to happen more often as one ages
- Sex – the condition is more common among men than in women
- Physical problems – more stress and strain is placed on the Achilles tendon when one has a flat arch. Tight calf muscles and obesity can also put unwanted strain to the tendon.
- Training choices – running on hilly terrains and wearing worn out footwear has also been known to increase the possibility of Achilles tendinitis.
- Medical conditions – people with high blood pressure and psoriasis are more predisposed to the condition compared to their healthier counterparts.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?
Primary symptoms of the condition include pain in the posterior part of the heel and swelling.
The pain becomes especially evident when running or walking.
Other likely symptoms include stiffness and tenderness of the affected area, limited motion range, and tightened calf muscles.
When the skin on the heel becomes overly warm, it can also be a telltale indicator of the condition.
How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?
For the condition to be diagnosed accurately, the doctor would ask a few questions regarding the pain and the swelling.
The doctor will also likely ask the patient to stand on the balls of the feet.
This is performed so the doctor can assess the range of motion and flexibility.
To gauge where the pain and swelling is most intense, the doctor will have to palpate the area directly.
When necessary imaging tests may be ordered but most of the time, they are considered unnecessary.
What are the treatment options for Achilles tendinitis?
There are plenty of treatment options available for patients suffering from Achilles tendinitis.
Treatment approach can range from medications (ibuprofen), steroid injections, and surgery.
The following might also be recommended:
- Lessening physical activities
- Stretching and strengthening the calf muscles
- Physical therapy
- Icing the affected area after exercise and when in pain
- Wearing of a brace or compressive elastic bandage to keep heel movement to a minimum
- Elevating the area affected to reduce swelling
- Taking anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin
- Getting steroid injections
- Engaging in sports that is not strenuous
If the condition will not respond to treatment options that are not invasive, surgery might be recommended.
Oftentimes, surgery will be performed to repair the tendon.
When left untreated, the condition can complicate and may result to an Achilles rupture.
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