Pain in the Achilles tendon is a symptom of tendinitis (inflammation in the tendon). Achilles tendonitis causes pain in the back of the leg in the region near the heel.
The Achilles tendon, also known as a calcaneus tendon, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is through it that the muscles pull the foot down to propel us when we walk, run or jump.
Although it is a fairly strong tendon and withstands great tensions, the Achilles tendon can also stay inflamed when you are overwhelmed by excessive or repetitive use.
The main signals and symptons Tendonitis is pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon when you wake up, pain in the tendon or behind the heel that worsens when walking, running or climbing stairs, intense pain the day after the exercises, swelling and tendon enlargement.
In the Achilles tendon, the main causes of tendinitis are related to repetitive strain such as walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs ... All of these movements can lead to tendinitis and cause pain in the Achilles tendon.
Tendonitis can also be caused by bone growth at the site of insertion of the tendon in the bone (calcaneal spur), traumas (strokes), use of shoes that tighten the Achilles tendon, infections, as well as other less common diseases.
Achilles tendonitis can occur in the middle of the tendon or in the lower part of the heel, where it enters the bone. In the first case, more common in young and active people, there are small ruptures in the tendon, which becomes swollen and thicker. In the second, damaged parts of the tendon can calcify and generate calcaneous spurs.
To relieve pain in the Achilles tendon, the first thing to do is to decrease or stop activities impact, such as running or jumping, for example. The application of ice also helps control inflammation and relieve pain. The application can be done throughout the day, every 2 hours, for 20 minutes.
Tendonitis treatment may also include anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy (electrotherapy, thermotherapy, stretching and strengthening exercises). Surgery may be indicated if pain in the Achilles tendon does not improve after 6 months of treatment.
If pain persists, consult a general practitioner, family doctor or orthopaedist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more at:
What are the symptoms of tendonitis?
Is it possible to cure tendonitis? What is the treatment?
