Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is the inflammation of the achilles tendon. The achilles tendon is the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Learn about other injuries at injuries main.

Description: Achilles Tendonitis

• Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone. (calcaneus) Achilles tendonitis can be causes by running on concrete, training in a cold environment, running uphill a lot, practicing gymnastics on a hard floor etc. Acute achilles tendonitis is the sudden (one time) inflammation of the achilles tendon. Chronic achilles tedonitis is when inflammations came back all the time. (and you learn to live with it) If not treated correctly, acute tendonitis can lead to chronic tendonitis.

Symptoms: Achilles Tendonitis

• Acute Achilles Tendonitis
  • Pain on the bottom of tendon during or after exercise.
    The longer your session the more likely you will feel the pain.
  • Jumping on the balls of your feet, rope skipping etc hurts.
  • Sometimes swelling or redness.
  • You will possibly feel a creaking when you press a finger onto the tendon and
    slide it up and down.
• Chronic Achilles Tendonitis
  • The achilles pain goes away once you are warmed up, but comes back after exercise.
  • Especially in the morning when the tendon is cold, standing up can be painful.
  • Lumps in the achilles tendon less than one inch above the heel.
  • Walking on the balls of your feet, rope skipping etc hurts.

Who is susceptible: Achilles Tendonitis

• Sprinters
• Gymnastics
• XMA - athletes and trickers
• Dancers (ballet)
• Rope skippers
• Women who usually use high heels and then use flat shoes to run
• People who start running on the balls of their feet and run a long distance right away.
• People with abnormal foot soles. (too flat or too high)
• Fast running on hard ground or cold environment.

Treatment: Achilles Tendonitis

• Rest and cold therapy.
• Consult a doctor:
  • Who might prescribe an anti-inflamant (like diclofenac) or orthotics or help you change your training methods.
  • Might make a MRI or Ultrasound Scan.
• Temporary use of heel pads to take pressure and stretch from the achilles tendon.
• Sports massage techniques.
• Ultrasound treatment.
• Taping for support or plaster to avoid stress to the tendon at all.
• In the worst case: Surgery followed by at least half a year rehabilitation.

Trainer advice: Achilles Tendonitis

• When your achilles tendon is already inflamed:
  • Don't exercise in a cold environment. (keep the tendon warm and use high socks)
  • Don't work out on hard ground. Don't jump or sprint on concrete.
  • Avoid bouncing on the balls of your feet.
  • Don't stretch your calves dynamic.
  • Don't work out your calf muscles with low reps.
  • Let your achilles tendonitis heal out totally. (don't go back to training too soon)

Related topics: Achilles Tendonitis

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Jumpers Knee
• Ankle Sprain

Videos: Achilles Tendonitis

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