Achilles tendinitis is a kind of injury related to the Achilles tendon. The strongest tendon in the human body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this tendon is damaged. It can lead to many symptoms and problems. It can cause pain, swelling in the back of the heel. And profoundly affects the way one person walking or running
The Achilles tendon plays the most important role in the movement structure of our leg. Like a bridge between shin tube and foot. It helps us to stand firmly on our feet and walk, and especially when we run. Because of its importance, if the Achilles tendon is injured, our normal activities are heavily affected.
Athletes or those who are physically active are at high risk. Sometimes, a minor injury to the back of the ankle can lead to Achilles tendinitis . A condition in which the tendon becomes painful. And the person who gets it may even feel like it is “on fire.”
People who have medical condition like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or people wear tight shoes, high heels are highly at risk
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis
When the Achilles tendon is injured or damaged, it can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the heel
Achilles tendonitis is often related to a partial or almost complete rupture of the tendon. It has other name as Achilles tendon rupture. With partial tendon rupture, a person may experiences the mild pain and tenderness when he walking or standing on tiptoes. But in severe cases like full tendon rupture the person can experience the sharp pain. A swollen, red, inflamed tendon is visible.
Many people describe the pain of a tendon rupture is a sharp, hot, and aching sensation. That is typically located at the site of the injured tendon. The acute pain usually occurs following a sudden strain or tear of the tendon. This sharp pain is due to the tissue being stretched to the point of injury. The sharp pain usually occurs when performing flexion and stretching movements at the site of the injury.
Treatments of Achilles tendinitis
Quickly apply ice to the tendon area as soon as possible to reduce the pain, inflammation. This will help the tendon recover faster. You can use an ice pack, or an ice bag to apply the ice. Make sure to use as much of the ice as you can. And hold the ice pack or ice bag on the injured area for 10 minutes until the pain goes away. Repeat as often as needed.
Massage is a good method of treatment. That uses pressure to stimulate the body’s soft tissues to improve blood and lymph flow. This method will aid in pain relief, and increase the body’s ability to heal itself. By applying slight rub to the tendon area. This will improves blood and lymph flow to the area to help reducing pain and swelling. It also increases the body’s ability to heal itself, which can help speed the recovery process.
Wearing Achilles tendonitis support products
Achilles tendonitis occurs when someone overuses or puts too much stress on the tendon. There are some orthotics methods that can help to treat the problem of inflammation or tissue degeneration. Wearing a brace will reduce symptoms of pain and ease pressure and swelling on the affected area.
Some other methods like using achilles wraps or ankle support are also useful methods. It protects the ankle from direct pressures on its surface, avoiding the rub between damaged tendon and shoes.
Depending on the seriousness of injury. Wearing night splints or boot support, or compression shock will support movement of foot, minimize the stress on tendon.
Give yourself a rest to recover from this injury. Avoid moving too much and put stress on leg will help time of heeling shorter
People who get pain tendon because of medical conditions please contact your doctor to have proper diagnosis and better care.
Cyclists and Achilles tendinitis
Cyclists also need to be careful of overuse. Even a moderate amount of exercise can be enough to cause Achilles tendinitis. Cyclists can avoid the problem of getting Achilles tendinitis by wearing comfortable shoes. Adjust your saddle and pedals suitable to your height. So you can cycle comfortably and do not put pressure on your leg. Please listen to your body
Conclusion
Achilles tendinitis is a common sport injury .This problem can be avoided by wearing comfort shoes, heel support pads. And controlling the intensity of exercising
Sources Mayo clinics
Images Wikimedia commons, Pixels mob
