Achilles tendonitis
Causes, symptoms and treatment options
Achilles tendonitis is a very common but painful condition that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is a type of overuse injury that causes inflammation and micro-tears in the tendon, resulting in pain and discomfort. If left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term complications.
Knowing the different ways to prevent and treat it can help improve a person's quality of life, reduce pain and discomfort and improve overall mobility.
To better understand the causes:
Achilles tendonitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including increased activity levels, overtraining and wearing worn or ill-fitting shoes. It is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Although not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful and debilitating, resulting in reduced mobility, quality of life and work productivity.
The main symptom of Achilles tendonitis is pain and tenderness in the back of the calf, just above the heel. This pain can worsen when people walk or run. Other symptoms may include tenderness and mild pressure in the back of the calf. Swelling, crepitus and increased joint stiffness are other common symptoms.
To better understand the treatment :
Diagnosis is usually based on the person's symptoms, in some cases your podiatrist may order an MRI to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment for Achilles tendonitis may begin with rest, icing and heat application to the affected area. Avoiding walking barefoot, performing stretching exercises of the Achilles tendon are other avenues of treatment. Other treatments may include the application of topical or oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the production of custom-made foot orthotics and surgery as a last resort.
If you have symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, there are a number of ways to prevent and treat Achilles tendonitis that can help improve your mobility and your life. Consult your podiatrist at the Pied Confort clinic.
