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Achilles tendinitis <\/strong>is a degenerative inflammatory condition of the Achilles tendon, the strong tendon that connects the gastrocnemius muscle (calf) to the back of the heel. It is caused by chronic overuse, microtrauma, or poor foot mechanics and leads to pain in the back of the foot, near the heel. It may affect either the mid-portion of the tendon or the point where it inserts into the heel. It is common in runners, athletes, and individuals who suddenly increase their level of physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Causes and Risk Factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Excessive strain & poor biomechanics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Sudden increase in the intensity or duration of exercise (e.g. running, jumping).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Poor gait mechanics or excessive pressure on the Achilles tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Inappropriate footwear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Shoes that do not provide shock absorption increase stress on the tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 High heels, which reduce tendon flexibility and place strain on it when returning to flat shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Anatomical and biomechanical abnormalities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Flat feet or pes cavus, which increase strain on the tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Tight calf muscles (gastrocnemius), which restrict movement and increase pressure on the Achilles tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Age & degenerative changes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 More common in people over the age of 40, as tendons lose elasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Chronic microtrauma, causing gradual degeneration of the tendon (tendinopathy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Pain at the back of the heel or slightly above it, especially in the morning or after rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Pain during exercise or after physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Stiffness and difficulty moving the foot, particularly after rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Swelling or local redness in the area of the Achilles tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 A \u201ccreaking\u201d sensation or sound during tendon movement (in severe cases).<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diagnosis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Diagnosis is made through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Clinical examination, during which pain and tenderness of the tendon are assessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Thompson test, to check for Achilles tendon rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), if there is suspicion of a partial tear or chronic tendinopathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Management and Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Conservative Methods (for mild to moderate cases)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Rest and avoidance of activities that worsen the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Cryotherapy (ice for 15\u201320 minutes, 3\u20134 times a day) to reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Footwear modification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoes with good shock absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoidance of flat shoes or sudden transition from heels to flat footwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Use of orthotic insoles with heel elevation to reduce tension on the tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Physiotherapy and stretching exercises<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stretching of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eccentric loading exercises (heel drops), which strengthen the tendon and reduce pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Massage and therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen, naproxen) for temporary relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Injectable Therapies (in chronic cases)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injection, which promotes tendon healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Cortisone injection (rarely preferred, as it may weaken the tendon).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Surgical treatment (in severe cases)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the tendinitis persists for more than 6 months despite conservative treatment, surgery may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Warm-up and stretching before exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Avoidance of sudden increases in training intensity or duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Wear appropriate footwear that provides support and shock absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Regular stretching and strengthening of the calf muscles to reduce load on the tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Avoidance of prolonged walking or running on hard surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When to Visit the Podiatrist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the pain persists for more than 2 weeks despite rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If there is marked stiffness or swelling in the tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If you experience sudden, severe pain or hear a \u201csnapping\u201d sound in the tendon (possible rupture).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the pain makes walking or exercise difficult.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Achilles tendinitis can significantly affect daily life, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively. Prevention through proper training, stretching, appropriate footwear, and orthotic insoles is key to avoiding recurrence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Achilles tendinitis is a degenerative inflammatory condition of the Achilles tendon, the strong tendon that connects the gastrocnemius muscle (calf) to the back of the heel. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":916,"parent":0,"menu_order":41,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"category":[34],"class_list":["post-701","pathology","type-pathology","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","pathology_category-myoskeletikes-pathiseis"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n