Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis

Definition:

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Causes:

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis is most often caused by:

  • Overuse or repetitive motion during sports, work or other activities.
  • Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion, common in activities such as running, basketball, tennis or ballet dancing.
  • Poor conditioning or poor warm-up.
  • Shoes that do no cushion the heel or support the arch sufficiently.
Symptoms:

Symptoms may include:

  • Mild or severe pain in the back of the heel, sometimes with swelling.
  • Tenderness in the Achilles tendon area, which may be more noticeable in the morning.
  • Stiffness that subsides as the tendon warms up with use.
  • Decreased strength and movement, or a feeling of sluggishness in the leg.
Treatment:

Treatment may include:

  • Rest, avoiding any hard or intense activity for 6 to 12 weeks and until symptoms go away.
  • Modification of sports/activities that may have caused the tendinopathy.
  • Wearing well-cushioned shoes, heel pads, or orthotics if they help relieve pain.
  • Reducing pain by using ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
  • Gentle stretching, daily  and before strenuous activity.
  • Physical therapy, including stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, heat or ultrasound.
  • Use of  a night brace or walking boot, depending on severity
  • Surgery, if pain persists after more than six months of consistent treatment and rest
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