Dear athletes and sports enthusiasts, welcome to this detailed guide developed by the Pied Confort team. Our goal is to provide you with essential information on a crucial topic for your performance and well-being: the Achilles heel. Whether you're a runner, tennis player, hiker, or practitioner of any other sport, this guide will help you better understand, protect, and care for this vital part of your anatomy.
Anatomy of the Achilles heel
To fully understand the issues related to the Achilles heel, it's important to familiarize yourself with its anatomy. The Achilles tendon, also called the calcaneal tendon, is the largest and strongest in the human body. It plays a fundamental role in the biomechanics of walking and running. This tendon connects the triceps surae muscle (calf muscles) to the calcaneus bone (heel bone). With an average length of 15 centimeters, the Achilles tendon has a remarkable ability to support loads. Indeed, it can withstand forces equivalent to about 10 times the body weight during intense activities such as running or jumping.
Recognizing signs of problems
It is crucial for every athlete to know how to identify the first signs of problems in the Achilles heel. Early detection can make the difference between a temporary discomfort and a more serious injury. Here are the main symptoms to watch for:
Pain and stiffness
Pain and stiffness are often the first warning signs of a problem in the Achilles heel. Typically, you may feel a dull pain along the tendon, particularly pronounced in the morning upon waking or after a prolonged period of inactivity. This pain may lessen with movement but tend to return after exertion or at the end of the day.
Swelling
Visible swelling along the Achilles tendon is an obvious sign of inflammation. You may observe a localized or diffuse thickening of the tendon, often accompanied by a sensation of warmth to the touch. This swelling may be more pronounced after physical activity or at the end of the day.
Crepitus
Crepitus is an unusual sensation or noise that can occur during ankle movement. It often manifests as a perceptible squeaking or cracking when you move your foot up and down.
Pain on pressure
Increased sensitivity to pressure along the Achilles tendon is an important sign not to be ignored. If you feel pain when you gently press on the tendon, particularly in its middle part (about 2 to 6 cm above the heel), this may indicate inflammation or a micro-lesion of the tendon.
Common causes of Achilles heel injuries
Achilles heel injuries are common among athletes and can result from various factors. Understanding these causes is essential to prevent injuries and maintain healthy sports practice. Here are the main causes to know:
- Overuse and overload: The most common cause is tendon overuse. A sudden increase in the intensity, duration, or frequency of training can overload the Achilles tendon.
- Lack of flexibility: Stiffness in the calf muscles can increase tension on the Achilles tendon. Inappropriate footwear:
- Poorly fitting, worn, or inadequately supportive shoes can alter the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, thus increasing stress on the Achilles tendon.
- Incorrect sports technique: Poor technique in executing movements specific to your sport can exert excessive stress on the Achilles tendon.
Treatment options
When it comes to treating Achilles heel problems, a multidisciplinary approach is often the most effective. At Pied Confort, we specialize in sports podiatry, offering personalized solutions for athletes of all levels. Don't hesitate to make an appointment with one of our specialized podiatrists for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan adapted to your sports goals.