Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation-based condition that’s commonly caused by overuse or damage to the Achilles tendon in the leg. It can affect the back of the leg and the heel, and it may cause the tendon to appear to thicken and harden. Physical therapy that stretches and strengthens the area in and around the Achilles tendon may help alleviate tendinitis symptoms.
There are two main types of Achilles tendinitis: noninsertional Achilles tendinitis and insertional Achilles tendinitis. With noninsertional Achilles tendinitis, the fibers in the middle of the tendon get inflamed and may begin to break down, causing micro-tears. With insertional Achilles tendinitis, the lower part of the tendon where it meets the heel is affected instead. You may experience one or both types of tendinitis at the same time.
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis
The main symptoms of Achilles tendinitis tend to show up in the back area of the lower leg and above the heel. Here are 12 common symptoms that may be an indication of Achilles tendinitis:
Pain and stiffness in the lower leg upon waking that improves throughout the day
Swelling and warmth along the heel and Achilles tendon that may get worse throughout the day or with activity
Pain in the heel and tendon that worsens while walking or running
Weakness in the affected leg
Intense discomfort the day after exercising or strenuous activity
Pain and tenderness when the Achilles tendon is touched or moved
A thickening and hardening of the Achilles tendon
Pain in the heel while wearing shoes
Stiffness or tenderness in the Achilles tendon
Pain when standing up on toes
Formation of bone spurs, specific to insertional Achilles tendinitis
Pain while climbing stairs or walking uphill
You may experience some or all of these symptoms with Achilles tendinitis, depending on the type and severity of your condition.
What causes Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is most often caused by overuse or continued strain in the lower leg. Usually, this condition isn’t due to a sudden injury, but rather from continued stress to the tendon.
Since this tendon is vital for functions like walking, running, jumping or pushing up on tiptoe, it’s difficult to avoid using it when injured. This makes you much more susceptible to long-term overuse and damage.
Achilles tendinitis is more likely to affect younger, highly active people, but people of any age can stress their Achilles tendon. You’re more likely to experience Achilles tendinitis if you:
Play sports that require frequent stops and starts, which may strain the tendon
Have tight calf muscles
Exercise infrequently, which can make it harder for your body to handle stress
Have flat feet or fallen arches
Are a runner or dancer
Do manual labor that requires lots of time on your feet
Experience bone spurs in your feet, which may aggravate the tendon
Have feet that turn inward, also called overpronation
Have recently taken up running, which may have caused sudden stress to the tendon
Wear shoes without proper support during physical activities
Achilles tendinitis tends to worsen with time. If you build good habits now, you may be less likely to experience Achilles tendinitis later in life.
How to treat Achilles tendinitis
If you have Achilles tendinitis, treatments are available. For minor Achilles tendinitis, the RICE method may be enough to heal your injury:
Rest — Rest your Achilles tendon by halting activities that may be aggravating it, such as running. Instead, try low-impact activities like swimming to give your leg a break.
Ice — Cold packs can help with inflammation and swelling in the Achilles tendon. Use ice 20 minutes at a time as needed.
Compression — Putting pressure on your tendon with an athletic wrap or tape can keep swelling down and provide support for your tendon while it heals.
Elevation — Lie down and place your foot on pillows so it’s elevated above your heart. This can decrease swelling and temporarily reduce pressure on the tendon.
In addition to the RICE method, over-the-counter medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with pain and inflammation. Gentle stretches may also help your Achilles tendon and lower leg.
For injuries that are more serious, you may need physical therapy. Treatments such as manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and massage can target specific problem areas along the Achilles tendon. If more conservative approaches aren’t enough to heal your Achilles tendon, you may require surgery.
At KC Rehab, our team is dedicated to helping you get your mobility back. We’re equipped with a variety of treatments and techniques that can help you heal and get you back to the activities you love. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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