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Achilles Tendonitis is
aggravated by activities that repeatedly stress the
tendon, causing inflammation. In some cases even
prolonged periods of standing can cause symptoms. It
is a common problem often experienced by athletes,
particularly distance runners. Achilles Tendonitis is
a difficult injury to treat in athletes due to their
high level of activity and reluctance to stop or slow
down their training.
Individuals who suffer from
achilles tendonitis often complain that their first
steps out of bed in the morning are extremely painful.
Another common complaint is pain after steps are taken
after long periods of sitting. This pain often lessens
with activity.
Cause
There are several factors that can cause achilles
tendonitis. The most common cause is over-pronation.
Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when the
arch collapses upon weight bearing, adding stress on
the achilles tendon.
Other factors that lead to achilles tendonitis are
improper shoe selection, inadequate stretching prior
to engaging in athletics, a short achilles tendon,
direct trauma (injury) to the tendon, and heel bone
deformity.
Treatment and Prevention
Athletes, particularly runners, should incorporate a
thorough stretching program to properly warm-up the
muscles. They should decrease the distance of their
walk or run, apply ice after the activity and avoid
any uphill climbs. Athletes should use an orthotic
device, heel cup, or heel cradle for extra support.
A heel cup or heel cradle elevates the heel to reduce
stress and pressure on the achilles tendon. The device
should be made with light-weight, shock absorbing
materials. An orthotic device can be used to control
over-pronation, support the longitudinal arch, and
reduce stress on the achilles tendon.
Your podiatric physician/surgeon has been trained
specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and
treatment of all manners of foot conditions. This training
encompasses all of the intricately related systems and
structures of the foot and lower leg including
neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal
system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons,
muscles, and nerves. |
Achilles tendonitis causes inflammation and
degeneration of the achilles tendon. The achilles
tendon is the large tendon located in the back of
the leg that inserts into the heel. The pain caused
by achilles tendonitis can develop gradually without
a history of trauma. The pain can be a shooting
pain, burning pain, or even an extremely piercing
pain. Achilles tendonitis should not be left
untreated due to the danger that the tendon can
become weak and ruptured.
