Achilles tendon pain, like all tendons, occurs because it is strong but not flexible. The Achilles tendon connects the muscles of the calves and legs to the heel bone and extends to this area. However, if the limit is exceeded in the increasing range, inflammation occurs or tears occur. Stress on the Achilles tendon can cause discomfort, from mild pain and stiffness to severe pain. This article explains in detail the causes of pain in the Achilles tendon and how it can be solved.
Achilles tendinitis
This condition is caused by inflammatory damage. It occurs mainly in athletes (especially runners) and most commonly affects people who play sports such as tennis, which require frequent starts, stops and turns. Pain is a typical symptom of Achilles tendinitis, and a burning sensation is felt due to physical activity, and the exact area of pain may vary from individual to individual. In general, depending on the actual tendon, it may feel closer to the bottom of the calf muscle or may occur at a position slightly lower than near the heel bone. Minor swelling and warmth in the affected area can come with Achilles tendon pain. You can also feel stiffness in both your heels and calves in the morning. In general, warming up and stretching your ankles and legs will relieve you. This condition can occur when people can't warm up their calf muscles before exercising, or when they suddenly increase their overall exercise. The tighter the calf muscles, the more severe the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis can be. Exercising in old sneakers or wearing inappropriate shoes can also cause Achilles tendinitis, and if there is an abnormality in the structure of the foot, running or walking posture, and leg length differences between the two. Sometimes Achilles tendinitis occurs when abnormal bone growth develops behind the ankle. This can be due to arthritis, and it can also be an acquired deformity caused by wearing shoes that do not fit. This bone growth causes friction in Achilles, causing pain and inflammation. Obesity can also cause Achilles tendon pain by applying pressure to the lower body, and other medical conditions such as psoriasis and high blood pressure can also cause and worsen Achilles tendinitis.
Achilles tendon disease
Achilles tendonitis refers to a chronic tendon condition because it has not been treated for a long time. long time. If you have dryness, the collagen fibers that make up the gun are destroyed. This degenerative damage also causes Achilles tendon pain, which can form scar tissue and become permanently thick.
rupture of the Achilles tendon
A ruptured Achilles tendon occurs when the dry fibers are completely or partially torn and separated. It can occur when a sudden force is applied to the tendon, and sometimes it can be caused by a sudden rotation of the foot. When the Achilles tendon is ruptured, a "stop" or "click" sound is heard with severe heel pain. A tear in the tendon can cause visible cracks. In general, it is difficult to walk or support weight with your feet when the tendon ruptures.
Symptoms of an injured Achilles tendon
In general, there are the following signs that you may have injured your Achilles tendon.
· Severe pain after exercise and symptoms that worsen throughout the day
· a pain in the back of one's leg
· a pain near the heel
· When I first woke up, my Achilles tendon was stiff and painful
· thickening of the tendon
· projecting into the heel bone
· Difficulty bending feet and impaired range of motion
· A sharp pain and popping sound when the Achilles tendon bursts
Achilles tendon pain treatment
There are several ways to treat Achilles tendon pain. These include changes in activity levels, physical therapy sessions, drug therapy, and surgery.
1. Self-management
A self-care strategy can be used to treat Achilles tendinitis. In addition, if there is a possibility of ruptured Achilles tendon, it can be helpful for immediate treatment.
Rest
Just because you are diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis, you do not have to stop all activities. But you have to change it in response to muscle pain. After exercise, you should do soft calf stretching when your muscles and tendons are still warm and flexible. However, for the initial treatment of Achilles rupture, rest is not an option but a requirement, and unless otherwise instructed by a doctor, you should stop and rest.
an ice pack
In the case of tendinitis, applying an ice pack when the pain starts can relieve some of the pain. In particular, it is recommended to perform after exercising or excessive activities.
Bandage or taping
Using ice and relaxing can help, but it is also good to keep your tendons from moving too much. If you have Achilles tendinitis, it is recommended to wrap your ankles with elastic bandages or tape. In the case of tendon rupture, an orthopedic surgeon performs almost the same treatment. Fix the ankle using splints or other methods until you have undergone tendon rupture surgery.
an auxiliary machine
People with tendinitis or rupture can use an aid. This is to correct the misalignment of feet that can contribute to tendon injury, such as flat feet. An aid that lifts the heel can reduce stress on the gun and relieve pain.