If you’ve spent any time reading about running injuries, you’ve probably come across the term “Achilles Tendinitis”. It’s the irritation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon that causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles. While it can affect anyone, it is most common among runners.
But what is the Achilles tendon, and why does it cause pain for so many runners? Let’s take a look at the anatomy, symptoms, and possible solutions for Achilles Tendonitis.
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is responsible for extending the knee and ankle joints and allows you to flex your foot. The tendons are responsible for transmitting muscular force from your calf muscle to your foot.
It is divided into two main sections: the gastrocnemius (the larger of the two) and the soleus (the smaller). The gastrocnemius runs down from the back of your calf to attach to your heel, while the soleus runs down from just below where your calf attaches to connect to your lower leg. The gastrocnemius muscle is one of four muscles in each leg that assist in walking and running.
In a healthy ankle joint, these muscles can contract and relax as necessary, but if they become inflamed or injured due to overuse, they can cause pain in nearby joints. The inflammation caused by this injury can also lead to additional issues such as swelling and eventual damage to the tissue.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Examples of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the back of your heel, along the outside of your ankle, and in the calf muscle (the muscle you use to flex your foot). The pain is most often felt when you first start running or walking on a new surface or after returning from a long run. It can also occur while walking upstairs or standing still.
In order to diagnose Achilles tendonitis, you must have a doctor assess the area by examining it with an ultrasound machine. This will allow them to pinpoint precisely where it is located and how severe it is. If the problem is severe enough to cause pain when running or walking, you will likely need physical therapy treatment for at least a few weeks before returning to training. If not, then you may be able to return sooner than expected.
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendon therapy in Singapore depends on the severity of the injury and how long it has been present. If you have had it for a while, then you will likely need physical therapy to help strengthen your ankle and calf muscles. In addition, you may want to try some stretching exercises that can help relieve the pain. If it is a mild injury, then you should start by simply resting the area. You can also try using ice packs to help reduce inflammation in the area and provide pain relief.
If your foot has become swollen enough to affect your running performance, you should consider getting medical treatment as soon as possible. If it is an acute injury, then physical therapy may be able to reduce the swelling to allow you to continue training at a normal pace. If not, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tendon or remove any damaged tissue.
Conclusion
If you are unsure if you have Achilles tendonitis, then you can always ask your orthopedic surgeon to examine it with an ultrasound machine. If the pain is severe enough, you may also want to consult a physical therapist who can recommend specific treatment to help relieve the pain.
