The aggravation of the Achilles ligament is known as Achilles tendinitis or tendonitis. The tendon is used in running, standing, jumping, and walking, but intense physical activity may cause a painful inflammation to it. If the tendonitis gets worse,the tendon could tear and you may need immediate Achilles tendonitis treatment to ease the pain. The two types of Achilles tendonitis Houston Tx:
Insertional tendonitis – It affects the lower parttendon, where it attaches to the heel bone.
Non-insertional tendonitis – Thisaffects the middle portion of the fibers and it is common among young active people.
Causes of Achilles tendonitis
There are other factors unrelated to exercise that may contribute to tendonitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Other activities that strain the tendon include:
- Not having proper warmup before exercising.
- Repeat physical activity that strains the calf muscles.
- Sports that require quick changes of direction and require a quick stop.
- A sudden increase in physical activity without increased training.
- Poorly fitting shoes or old shoes.
- Use of high heels for prolonged durations.
- The presence of bone spurs at the back of the heels.
- Aging causes the Achilles tendon to get weak.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon
- Swelling and pain in the back of the heel as you run or walk.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Limited range of motion.
- Swelling and discomfort in the back of the heel.
- The skin on the heel is warm to the touch.
Achilles pain treatment
Several self-care strategies work as Achilles pain treatment:
Rest – Switch to activities that do not strain the Achilles tendon like swimming. If need be you may use crutches and walking boots.
Ice – To decrease swelling and pain apply ice for 15 minutes especially when you experience pain.
Compression – Use compressive elastic bandages to reduce swelling and movement of the tendon.
Elevation – To reduce swelling the affected foot needs to be raised above the level of your heart. Even when you sleep the affected foot should be elevated through the night.
Tendinitis responds well to self-care measures but a podiatrist may suggest treatment options available for you.
Medications – The podiatrist may prescribe strong pain killers to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Physical therapy – There might be specific strengthening and stretching exercises to support and strengthen the Achilles tendon. The exercises promote healing due to eccentric strengthening.
Orthotic devices – A foot doctor may recommend a shoe insert that will elevate the heel slightly and relieve the strain of the tendon and it also provides a cushion that lessens the amount of force put on it.
Surgery –After the use of other conservative treatments and they do not work, the foot doctor may suggest surgery to repair the tendon. The foot doctor has several tendon surgery options based on the severity of the Achilles tendon rupture.
Having trouble walking, or exercising or the heel becoming deformed are some complications caused by Achilles tendonitis. Infections are not common, although the fear of a complete tear or rupture of the tendon is likely if surgery is not done.
