Achilles Tendinitis – SP Medifort Hospital

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment In Trivandrum

Achilles tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis) is inflammation of the tendon that connects your thigh muscle to your heel (Achilles tendon). Inflammation is your body’s response to injury or disease. Achilles tendinitis is a common condition in long- as well as short-distance runners. When you run, your thigh muscles help raise you up on your toes. Over time, this repetitive strain, combined with not giving your body enough time to rest, can lead to painful inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Symptoms may include:

Weakness in the leg.
Inflammation surrounding your Achilles tendon.
Pain in the heel and discomfort in the ankle.
Rigidity or sensitivity in your tendon.

Types of Achilles tendinitis

There are two types of Achilles tendinitis based on the affected part of your tendon.

Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis: The fibers in the center of your tendon begin to deteriorate, become inflamed, and thicken. This form of Achilles tendinitis is seen in individuals who engage in higher levels of activity.
Insertional Achilles tendinitis: This variation impacts the lower section of your heel, where the tendon attaches to, or inserts into, your heel bone. It can occur in anyone, including those with low activity levels. However, it is most frequently seen in individuals who put excessive strain on the tendon, like long-distance runners.

What is the main cause of Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendinitis usually arises from strain on the Achilles tendon, resulting in inflammation and tiny rips in the tissue. Here are several common factors:

Increased Physical Activity: A sudden rise in the intensity or duration of workouts, like running or jumping, exerts excessive strain on the Achilles tendon.
Overuse: Continuous movements or a lack of adequate rest can result in small rips in the tendon.
Tight Calf Muscles: Tightness in the calf muscles generates tension that directly affects the Achilles tendon, especially during activities that require flexibility and mobility.
Unsuitable Footwear: Wearing inappropriate shoes, such as those with minimal cushioning, can heighten stress on the Achilles tendon and may lead to heel discomfort.
Flat Feet or High Arches: Certain foot structures, including flat feet or high arches, can create uneven pressure on the foot and Achilles tendon, increasing strain.

Diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis

Your health provider can frequently diagnose Achilles tendinitis based on the physical test alone. You may need imaging to show the condition’s details or inflexibility. Imaging examinations may include:

X-rays: Although X-rays do not show soft tissues like tendons, they can reveal certain signs associated with Achilles tendinitis and help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Ultrasound: This imaging method uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues, including the Achilles tendon. It provides real-time images that show tendon movement, and color Doppler ultrasound can assess blood flow around the tendon.
MRI: An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce highly detailed images of the Achilles tendon, allowing for a thorough evaluation of its condition.

Achilles tendonitis risk factors

Achilles tendonitis risk factors include:

Age: Achilles tendinitis is more common with age.
Physical problems: A flat bow in the bottom or a high bow can increase strain in the Achilles tendon. Rotundity and tight shin muscles can also increase tendon stress. Having legs of different lengths can also increase the threat.
Having had Achilles tendinitis: This increases the threat of getting it again.
Training choices: Running in worn-out shoes can increase the threat of Achilles tendinitis. So can running with poor form. Tendon pain occurs more frequently in cold rainfall than in warm rainfall. Running hills can also raise the threat of Achilles injury.
Medical conditions: People who have the skin condition called psoriasis, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure are at an advanced risk of getting Achilles tendinitis.
Medicines: Certain types of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, have been linked with advanced rates of Achilles tendinitis.

Treatment options available for Achilles tendinitis

Tendinitis most frequently does well with self-care. But if your symptoms are severe or persistent, other treatments to try might include the following.

Non-surgical treatment Nonsurgical treatment can help in the early stages of the complaint. It may include

Resting and making life variations to avoid emphatic conditioning and help prevent injuries.
Ice packs help reduce inflammation.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Physical remedy, including shin muscle stretches and isometric strengthening (unilateral and bilateral heel drops).
Night splints and shoe inserts (orthotics) can keep the foot in a stretched position and reduce stress on the tendon.
Extracorporeal shock surge remedy, which uses high-energy or low-energy shock swells around the heel, can help reduce pain and lumps.

Surgical treatment is recommended when all non-surgical options fail. It includes

Junking of the damaged tendon towel and treating bone spurs or calcium deposits.
Gastrocnemius resection may be used for cases with very tight shin muscles that don’t ameliorate with other treatments.
Minimally invasive surgery is frequently preferred because it provides pain relief with lower tissue damage.