| Achilles tendonitis can be a common and frustrating | | | | - Overuse or overloading of the Achilles tendon, from |
| cause of ankle and heel pain in runners and other | | | | either too much volume or too high of an intensity of |
| athletes. | | | | activity is a common cause of Achilles tendonitis. |
| Anatomy of the Achilles tendon | | | | - Other common causes of chronic Achilles tendon |
| The Achilles tendon is the terminal extension of the | | | | include: |
| three posterior muscles in the lower leg: the soleus, | | | | - Tight calf muscle. |
| gastrocnemius, and plantaris. The achilles tendon | | | | - Recent increase in running mileage or running up hills. |
| attaches (inserts) into the posterior calcaneus. | | | | - Over-pronation (rolling in of the foot) |
| Inflamation of the tendon can occur either at the | | | | - High foot arches (pes cavus) and flat feet (pes |
| insertion of the tendon at the attachment to the | | | | planus) |
| bone or several inches above the bony attachment | | | | Prevention of Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis |
| of the tendon. | | | | Most Achilles tendon injuries occur as the result of |
| Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis and tendinosis | | | | "too much, too soon" or poor biomechanics and can |
| Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis can | | | | be prevented with these simple tips and listening to |
| include: | | | | your body. Achilles tendon injuries can be prevented |
| - Pain, swelling, tenderness or stiffness at the Achilles | | | | by avoiding overtraining, allowing for adequate |
| tendon. | | | | recovery and rest, following a regular stretching and |
| - Heel pain during or after exercise | | | | strengthening program and selecting proper running |
| - Heel pain worse with running and jumping | | | | shoes for your running style. |
| - Pain worse with heel strike or pushing off from the | | | | - Begin the exercise standing on a stair facing up the |
| ground | | | | stairs |
| - Formation of a "bump" on the back of the heel | | | | - The toes should be on the stairs and the heels off |
| Achilles Tendon Rupture | | | | the stair. |
| A rupture of the Achilles tendon can occur during a | | | | - Slowly lower your heel so that it drops below the |
| forceful push-off. Typically there is a "pop" or ripping | | | | step. |
| sensation in the back of the calf, followed by pain | | | | - The eccentric movement is the dropping of the |
| and decreased movement of the ankle. A suspected | | | | heel to lengthen the calf muscles. |
| achilles tendon rupture requires evaluation by a sports | | | | - You should feel a slight stretch in the calf. |
| medicine physician and may require surgery with | | | | - Slowly return to the starting position. |
| prolonged immobilization in a leg cast and then walking | | | | - Repeat 10 to 15 repetitions twice a day. - John |
| boot. | | | | Martinez, M.D. |
| Causes of Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis | | | | |