The Achilles tendon is a thick tendon that attaches your calf muscles to your heel bone.
It is crucial for walking, running, and jumping.
Over time, this can develop into a degenerative condition called tendinosis.
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This article covers Achilles tendonitis,tendinosis, and rupture and how they can cause Achilles tendon pain.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammatory injury of the Achilles tendon.
Signs you may have Achilles tendonitis include:
The exact site of the pain may vary.
Wearing orthotics, doing light Achilles tendon stretches, and taking pain medications can help.
Some people have tendonitis without Achilles tendon pain.
They don’t actually know there is a problem, so they don’t seek treatment.
This can cause the condition to progress to tendinosis.
Achilles Tendinosis
Achilles tendinosisdescribes a chronic (long-term) tendon condition.
It results from untreated tendonitis.
With tendinosis, the collagen fibers that make up the tendon break down.
The primary symptom of Achilles tendinosis is pain.
That’s because tendinosis is a degenerative disease, not an inflammatory one.
The causes of Achilles tendinosis are less clear.
An Achilles tendon rupture happens when the tendon fibers tear and separate, either completely or in part.
You may or may not need surgery depending on the extent of your injury and other health factors.
Degeneration can also cause the Achilles tendon to rupture.
Fluoroquinolone can also lead to tendon rupture.
This injury usually occurs shortly after this class of medication is started.
Of the fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin is associated with the greatest risk of tendon rupture.
Self-Care
Self-care strategies can be used to treat Achilles tendonitis.
They also may help in the immediate care of a possible Achilles tendon rupture.
The RICE Method
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
For a suspected Achilles tendon rupture, place ice immediately on the injury site.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) only treats pain.
Some symptoms suggest a possible Achilles tendon rupture.
They include sudden, severe pain at the back of the leg and/or trouble bearing weight on it.
If this happens, seek immediate medical care.
Diagnosis
A medical history and physical exam are needed to diagnose Achilles tendon pain.
An X-ray may be ordered to examine the bones.
This will help to identify any issues like bone spurs, degenerative damage, or fracture.
Injuries to the tendon can be identified withmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)or an ultrasound.
Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage or tape if you have Achilles tendonitis.
Toe raises, balancing on your toes, and wall stretching can help.
Full recovery can take about four months.
The bang out of surgery will be based on the extent of the damage.
Corticosteroids can weaken the Achilles tendon, making it more prone to tendonitis and rupture.
Preventing Achilles Tendon Pain
People tend to ignore early warning signs and push through the pain.
Prevention is possible if you try some of these strategies.
For example, night splints as recommended by your provider can help if you have Achilles tendonitis.
If tendonitis is not treated, you may develop Achilles tendinosis, a more serious and chronic condition.
People with tendinosis may need a special rehabilitation program, orthotic shoes, and lifestyle changes.
The sudden, severe pain of an Achilles tendon rupture requires immediate medical attention.
A healthcare provider is likely to recommend surgery to repair the rupture as soon as possible.
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