ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
Achilles tendonitis, sometimes known as Achilles tendinopathy, is a very common running injury. It results in degeneration or inflammation of the Achilles tendon, and though the injury is usually short-term, without correct rest or treatment it can become chronic and cause tearing of the tendon.
Symptoms
Acute Achilles tendonitis transpires within days, with pain increasing as time progresses. Pain is often sharpest at the beginning of an exercise routine and lessens as you continue; the pain also diminishes during periods of rest, and the area around the injury may be tender to touch.
Chronic Achilles tendonitis is the progression of the condition due to a lack of treatment or an appropriate break from training. The pain will progressively intensify over weeks or months, and will be continuous during all exercise. Rest does not lessen the pain and increases stiffness in the tendon. In some cases lumps may develop in the tendon, and skin over the area can redden.
Causes
The injury is commonly associated with running because of the Achilles tendon’s role in supplying much of the energy required for the push off stage in walking and running. The tendon joins the heel bone to the calf muscles, and through overuse can become strained and irritated. Most commonly this involves a rapid increase in training, such as covering greater distances or running at greater speeds. Decreased rests and weakened muscles may also contribute to the injury, and a recent change in shoes or otherwise inappropriate footwear is another risk factor.
You should also look for a recent escalation in running up hills, as this causes the Achilles tendon to work harder than normal and produces quicker fatigue.
Biomechanical errors of the feet such as overpronation can also put excessive pressure on the tendon. In rare cases the injury can be caused by an infection.
Treatment
With acute Achilles tendonitis, resting the affected area immediately and taking anti-inflammatory medication with the approval of your doctor is often sufficient. You should not run or partake in activities that rely on the Achilles tendon. Icing the area and shielding it from overuse by wearing a heel pad will be beneficial.
Medical Attention
If the pain persists after 1 to 2 weeks of rest and self-treatment, and especially if the pain becomes chronic, consult a medical professional. They will examine the foot and might use an x-ray to dismiss other possible causes. A doctor can pinpoint the reasons for your injury and prescribe suitable medication, shoe inserts or an alteration in training routine if necessary. They may recommend a sports therapist, massage program or other suitable rehabilitation methods.
Prevention
Make sure to look after the tendon effectively following recovery, otherwise it is likely to return. This may involve changing shoes and modifying your exercise habits to be more conservative with your activity, only increasing the length or speed of your training gradually. Appropriate stretching, as well as strengthening of the calf muscles is an effective way to avoid injury. Try switching between high and low-impact exercise, with activities such as cycling and swimming placing far less strain on your Achilles tendon.
If you do suspect that the injury is returning, begin treatment early to avoid the possibility of the condition becoming chronic.
For more details please contact:
Dr. Prateek Gupta (Senior Surgeon)
Arthroscopy Surgery Clinic
C2/5 Safdarjung Development Area (SDA),
Aurobindo Marg,
Telephones: +91 9810852876, +91 11 26517776
24 x 7 Helpline & Appointment: +91 9810633876
Email: sportsmedicinedelhi@yahoo.com,
sportsmedicineclinics@gmail.com
Website:http://www.sportsmedicineclinicdelhi.com/arthroscopy.htm,
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