It's common in runners and middle-aged people who play sports only on the weekends.
Heel pain and tenderness are key symptoms.
Treatment usually involves at-home care under a doctor's supervision, such as rest and pain relievers.
Common
More than 200,000 cases per year in US
Treatment from medical professional advised
Requires a medical diagnosis
Rarely requires lab test or imaging
More common in males
Can last several months
Common for ages 50 and older
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.
Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.
Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor’s supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.
- Heel pain and swelling (at the back of the heel)
- Thickening of the tendon
- Limited range of motion when flexing the foot
- The skin on the heel may feel hot to touch
- Tenderness in the affected area
The most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury, that is, repetitive stress due to excessive exercising, walking or sports activities.
Other causes include:
- Suddenly increasing the intensity of exercise without a proper warm up
- Playing sports that require swift or rapid movements
- Not taking enough time to increase training gradually
- Wearing ill- fitting footwear and using the wrong equipment
- Using high heels for long periods of time
- Running on uneven surfaces
Older people and people having bone spurs are at increased risk
- Perform stretching exercises to strengthen the feet muscles and tendons
- Always warm up before beginning an exercise or training session
- Increase the intensity of exercises gradually
- Alternate between high- and low-impact exercises
- Use comfortable shoes that fit well and replace them once they are worn
- Use supports or cushioning pads inside shoes
- Use the right equipment
Tendonitis can cause rupture of the Achilles tendon
Diagnosis involves imaging tests and a physical examination.
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