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Achilles tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the Achilles tendon (the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel).
Alternative NamesTendinitis of the heel
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThere are two large muscles in the calf: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles generate the power for pushing off with the foot or going up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.
These are important muscles for walking. This tendon can become inflamed, most commonly as a result of overuse or Arthritis, although inflammation can also be associated with trauma and infection.
Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger individuals and can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes, especially in sports like Basketball that involve jumping. Jumping places a large amount of stress on the Achilles tendon.
Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in the middle-aged and elderly population.
SymptomsSymptoms usually include pain in the heel when walking or running. The tendon is usually painful to touch and the skin over the tendon may be swollen and warm.
Signs and testsThe doctor will perform a physical exam and look for tenderness along the tendon and for pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.
Imaging studies can also be helpful. X-rays can help diagnose arthritis, and an MRI will show inflammation in the tendon.
TreatmentTreatment usually involves:
- Ice
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Rest
- Physical therapy
You should limit any activities that make the symptoms worse.
Occasionally, a cast, brace, or boot may be used to keep the heel still and allow the swelling to go down.
If these treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgery may be needed to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon.
Expectations (prognosis)Conservative therapy usually helps improve symptoms. However, symptoms may return if activities that cause the pain are not limited, or if the strength and flexibility of the tendon is not maintained.
Surgery, if needed, has been shown to be very effective in improving pain symptoms.
ComplicationsAchilles tendinitis may make you more likely to have an Achilles rupture. This condition usually causes a sharp pain, like someone hit you in the back of the heel with a stick. Surgical repair is necessary, but difficult because the tendon is not normal.
Calling your health care providerIf you have pain in the heel around the Achilles tendon that is worse with activity, contact your health care provider for evaluation and possible treatment for tendinitis.
PreventionPrevention is very important in this disease. Maintaining strength and flexibility in the muscles of the calf will help reduce the risk of tendinitis. Overusing a weak or tight Achilles tendon makes you more likely to develop tendinitis.
What else can I help you with?
What is the definition of Achilles tendinitis?
If the achilles tendon is ruptured then it would need to be surgically repaired. Most achilles tendinitis treatment involves non-surgical methods. Achilles tendon rupture repair surgery can be successful, but achieving maximum results after a surgery like this is unlikely.
What should I do about Achilles tendinitis?
Talk to your physicain and see what you can do to help with your condition. Not to mention you might not have Achilles Tendinitis so it is important to have the proper tests ran to figure out what the problem might be.
Is Achilles tendinitis pain felt on the arch of the foot?
Yes , Achilles Tendinitis can surface with those symptoms, it is usually caused by changing running schedules, footwear changes. Achilles Tendinitis can also occur later in life it can be deterred by regular excessive to maintain flexibility.
What are the Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?
The symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis or Tendinosis are:Pain in the Achilles tendon or on the back of the calcaneus (heel bone)On the first few steps after sitting or lying down Gradually worsens with activitySwelling in the Achilles tendon or back of the calcaneus (heel bone)LimpTENDINITIS is usually more of a rapid onset of symptoms
What is the medical term meaning inflammation of the achilles tendon caused by excesive stress in the tendon?
Achilles tendinitis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the Achilles tendon caused by excessive stress on the tendon. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of the heel. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, stretching exercises, and in severe cases, physical therapy or surgery.
What causes Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is caused by inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tendon or by degenerative changes/injuries to the tendon.Achilles tendinitis is often diagnosed in patients in the following situations:Starting training too quickly after a layoffRapid increase in mileage or speedAddition of hills or stairs to programTrauma or injury during trainingOveruseAchilles tendinosis is usually seen in OLDER patients and associated with: ObesityHigh blood pressureDiabetes
What are the best treatments for Achilles tendinitis?
The best treatment for Achilles Tendinitis are resting the tendon and not repeating the exercise that caused the injury to begin with, light strengthening/stretching of the calf muscles twenty minutes a day, physical therapy applied by a licensed therapist and ice on the affected area after exercising and/or therapy.
What cause's tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is caused by inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tendon or by degenerative changes/injuries to the tendon.Achilles tendinitis is often diagnosed in patients in the following situations:Starting training too quickly after a layoffRapid increase in mileage or speedAddition of hills or stairs to programTrauma or injury during trainingOveruseAchilles tendinosis is usually seen in OLDER patients and associated with: ObesityHigh blood pressureDiabetes
What is a inflamed tendon called?
An inflamed tendon is called tendinitis. This condition occurs when a tendon, which connects muscle to bone, becomes irritated or inflamed, often due to repetitive motion, overuse, or injury. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area. Common sites for tendinitis include the elbow, shoulder, knee, and Achilles tendon.
Painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon?
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis).-itis is the medical term for inflammation.Or, you may be looking for "plantar fasciitis", which can be caused by stress from a tight Achilles tendon. This is often most noticed in the morning upon first walking. The fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and painful, especially at the heel (often due to simple "fallen arches" of the feet).Plantar is the medical word for bottom of the foot.fasci- refers to fascia (a type of connective tissue).-itis means inflammationF-A-S-C-I-I-T-I-S is correctly spelled with a total of 3 "I's".Pronounced: fash-ee-I-tis with the accent on the 3rd syllable."fash" as in the word fashion,"ee" as in coffee,"I" as in eye,"tis" as in arthritis.It is relatively rare for the pain in the Achilles tendon to be accompanied by actual inflammation, but if it is, the term is "Achilles tendinitis." Normally, the pain from overuse is accompanied only by soreness and stiffness, and it is called "Achilles tendinosis."Tendinopathy is a term that encompasses both tendinosis and tendinitis.Occasionally, and especially in sports involving sprinting and jumping, there can be actual damage to the tendon, called an "Achilles tendon rupture," and requiring immobilization or even surgery.
Do you need a cast for Achilles tendinitis it is very painful and have had it flare up before and have tried physical therapy ice ibuprofen rest but none of this worked for me?
See your orthopedist or primary care doctor. I think you've done everything that you can do on your own.
What ointment is the best for treating Achilles Tendinitis?
From my personal experience and research I would recommend the herb Arnica Montana. It is a topical cream that is recommended to be applied six times a day until first the swelling reduces and finally the pain goes away. It can be found at herbal remedy shops and online.
