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Achilles Tendonitis ? Symptoms and Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

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It is estimated that Achilles tendonitis accounts for around 11% of all running injuries. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of the ankle. It connects the large calf muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus) to the heal bone (calcaneus) and provides the power in the push off phase of the gait cycle. The Achilles tendon can become inflamed through overuse as well as a number of contributory factors. The Achilles tendon has a poor blood supply which is why it is slow to heal.

Symptoms

Pain—aching, stiffness, soreness, or tenderness—within the tendon. This may occur anywhere along the tendon’s path, beginning with the narrow area directly above the heel upward to the region just below the calf muscle. Often pain appears upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest, then improves somewhat with motion but later worsens with increased activity.

Symptoms of Achilles tendon problems include swelling in the ankle area and mild or severe pain. The pain may come on gradually or may only occur when you walk or run. You may have less strength and range of movement in the ankle.

In most cases, symptoms of Achilles tendonitis develop gradually. Pain may be mild at first and worsen with continued activity. Repeated or continued stress on the Achilles tendon increases inflammation and may cause it to rupture. Partial or complete rupture results in traumatic damage and severe pain, making walking virtually impossible and requiring a long recovery period.

Achilles 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.

Episodes of diffuse or localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours after running.

Morning tenderness about an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon is attached to the heel bone.

Causes

The most common causes of tendinitis are injury, overuse, infection of the tendon sheath or disease (tendinitis is evident in rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis). More often than not, the cause of tendinitis is unknown.

Achilles tendonitis is a chronic injury that occurs primarily from overuse. It tends to come on gradually over time until pain is constant and exercise or activity too painful to continue. The biggest cause of chronic Achilles tendonitis is ignoring early warning signs and pushing through pain. If the Achilles tendon is sore, or aches, you need to pay attention and rest it immediately.

Injuries to your Achilles tendon can often result from taking part in an activity involving stop-and-start footwork for which you’re not conditioned or for which you haven’t stretched properly. This might include playing tennis, racquetball or basketball for the first time after a long break.

Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in the middle aged and elderly population. Arthritis often causes extra bony growths around joints, and if this occurs around the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, the tendon can become inflamed and painful.

Improper conditioning: Achilles tendinitis is most common among athletes whose bodies aren’t properly conditioned for their sport or activity. Inadequate flexibility and strength of the calf muscles can contribute to overload of the tendon. Frequent stops and starts during the activity, as well as activities that require repeated jumping — for example, basketball or tennis — also can increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis.

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