A characteristic symptom of Achilles Tendonitis is the mild pain experienced by the patient behind the heel after vigorous running or climbing/descending stairs. Possible symptoms are also the sensitivity and stiffness of the area, especially when getting up in the morning. Swelling may still occur in the area due to multiple, small tears caused to the tendon during intense or sudden exercise.
Mechanism of injury
The injury is caused by continuous or intense strain on the Achilles tendon which connects the shin and thigh muscles to the heel bone. It is quite common in runners, when the intensity or duration of the run increases rapidly or abruptly. In addition, the structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, so the injury can occur in middle-aged people who exercise periodically, for example once a week, in activities that involve jumping, such as basketball.
There are several factors that affect the likelihood of developing Achilles tendonitis. The injury occurs more often in men than women, and in older people. Flat foot arch, or obesity can also favor its provocation. More factors are low ambient temperature, the use of worn shoes, as well as slippery or hard ground during exercise.
Prevention and Treatment
While Achilles tendinitis is not easy to prevent, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of the injury occurring. Increasing the intensity of the exercise program should be done progressively and after a warm-up, perhaps with a lower intensity activity, always under the guidance of an experienced coach. Choose shoes in good condition that provide support for your arch and heel. Spend some time each day stretching your calf muscles and Achilles tendon to increase their flexibility during training. Incorporate into your exercise program activities that do not require strain on the area, such as cycling and swimming.
In case of injury, it is usually recommended to refrain from daily activities that may aggravate the condition (such as climbing stairs or walking on downhill terrain), always depending on the intensity of the symptoms and the instructions of your doctor or physiotherapist.
In severe cases, where even rupture of the Achilles tendon can occur, the treatment includes surgery, in which the tendon is sutured. Recovery usually lasts from 1 to 3 months, while abstinence from a vigorous exercise program can last up to 7 months after surgery.
