Achilles

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Achilles Tendon Q & A

The Achilles tendon is not only the strongest, but also the largest tendon in the human body. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to transmit power from the calf muscles to the heel and the foot.

 

It’s because of the Achilles tendon that we are able to stand on our toes when walking, running, or jumping. Even with all of its strength, the Achilles tendon can be exposed to injury. Due to its limited blood supply and the high tensions placed on it, the Achilles heel can be left vulnerable if harmed.

Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body and connects your calf muscle to your heel. This tendon allows you to point your toe or stand on your tiptoes and plays a critical role in your mobility.

 

Possible conditions that may arise due to injury of the Achilles tendon include tears, ruptures, tendinitis, peritendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis.

When you rupture your Achilles tendon, you may realize it right away or feel no symptoms at all, only becoming aware of it as your mobility becomes affected. And some people may hear a popping noise, while others don’t. However your Achilles tendon injury presents itself, it’s likely to include:

  • Pain and swelling around your heel
  • Dull pain in your calf
  • Inability or difficulty pointing your toes or standing on your tiptoes

Call Dr. Hendrix at the first signs of a problem with your Achilles tendon because if it’s only a partial tear, you want to prevent a complete sever.

The most common injury is a rupture, which is a partial or complete tear of the connective tissue. The rupture generally occurs a few inches above your heel and is usually the result of a fall, misstep, or repeated stress that wears down the tendon until it ruptures.

 

Most Achilles tendon ruptures occur in men between the ages of 30 and 40 (men outpace women by five to one).

 When trying to diagnose if one has issues with their Achilles tendon, a podiatrist will commonly check for any pain, swelling, or discoloration around the heel or lower leg area. Different treatments for issues concerning the Achilles tendon vary, but may include over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers for intense discomfort, alternating ice and heat therapy, custom-made orthotics, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. To help prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, it’s recommended to regularly perform stretches involving the muscles of the lower leg.

Achilles Tendonitis​

If you have ongoing pain above your heel, it could be due to a condition called Achilles tendinitis. Dr. Hendrix, a board-certified podiatric surgeon, offers conservative and surgical options to help affected tissues heal and reduce bothersome discomfort.

Achilles tendinitis is an injury associated with overuse of your Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your heel to the back of your lower leg. While common, untreated Achilles tendinitis can cause a rupture and the need for surgery. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hendrix at the first sign of Achilles tendon pain.

The most common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:

  • Mild ache above your heel
  • Pain while running or sprinting
  • Discomfort when climbing stairs
  • Stiffness
  • TendernessPain in the morning

The discomfort may improve slightly with mild activity. Achilles tendinitis can eventually lead to a painful tendon tear.

The main causes and risk factors associated with Achilles tendinitis include:

  • Intense or repetitive strain
  • Running, walking, or jumping
  • Older age
  • Being a man
  • Wearing poor-fitted shoes
  • Running in cold weather
  • Running on hilly terrain
  • Taking certain medications
  • Some medical conditions

Your risk of Achilles tendinitis may increase if you have high blood pressure or psoriasis. Prevention measures include wearing comfortable shoes while working out, warming up properly before exercise, stretching regularly, and avoiding overuse. 

If you’re a runner or jumper, it’s important to cross-train and strengthen your calf muscles to reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon injury. 

Dr. Hendrix will determine if you have Achilles tendonitis after asking questions about your symptoms, medical history, and medications. He examines your heels, feet, ankles, and lower legs and may suggest imaging procedures like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI to make a final diagnosis.

Depending on your treatment preferences and how severe Achilles tendinitis is, your podiatrist may recommend:

RICE therapy:  Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are things you can do at home to reduce Achilles tendinitis discomfort.

Medications: Taking medicines helps reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with Achilles tendinitis.

Physical therapy: Injury-specific stretches and strength-building exercises to maximize healing and diminish pain.

Orthotics: Wearing orthotics (shoe inserts) helps elevate the heel to cushion your foot and reduce the strain placed on your Achilles tendon.

Surgery: If other treatments fail, or if you have a torn Achilles tendon, Dr. Hendrix may suggest surgery to repair the injury and help you make a full recovery. To get relief from Achilles tendinitis pain, schedule an appointment today.

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