Achilles Tendinitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Achilles tendinitis happens when the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone becomes overused and inflamed. This injury often affects runners who suddenly increase their training intensity or distance.
Weekend athletes in their middle years who play sports like tennis or basketball are also at risk.
Most people with Achilles tendinitis can recover using simple home treatments under a doctor’s guidance. These might include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort.
For more effective healing, doctors might recommend:
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the calf muscles.
- Night splints to stretch the tendons while sleeping.
- Custom orthotics to provide better foot support.
- Activity modification to reduce stress on the tendon.
More severe cases may require advanced treatments like shockwave therapy or, in rare instances, surgery to repair a torn tendon.
Signs of Achilles Tendon Problems
Pain around the Achilles tendon often starts as a mild ache at the back of your leg or just above your heel. This usually happens after running or playing sports.
The pain may get worse after long runs, climbing stairs, or sprinting.
You might also notice the area feels tender or stiff, especially when you first wake up. This morning stiffness typically gets better with light movement.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your doctor if you have ongoing pain around your Achilles tendon. This is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Seek immediate medical care if:
- Your pain is severe
- You suddenly can’t move your foot normally
- You hear a popping sound, with sudden pain
These symptoms might mean you have a torn Achilles tendon, which requires prompt medical attention.
Causes
Achilles tendinitis typically develops from overusing the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This important tendon is actively engaged during walking, running, jumping, and toe-raising activities.
Several factors can lead to this condition:
- Repetitive strain from intense physical activities.
- Sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration.
- Weekend athletes who exercise infrequently but intensely.
- Age-related changes that weaken tendon structure.
The tendon naturally becomes more vulnerable as people get older, making injury more likely. This is particularly true for individuals who suddenly increase their running distance or intensity without proper conditioning.
People who only exercise occasionally are at higher risk when they participate in sports without regular training.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of getting Achilles tendinitis:
Gender and Age
- Men have higher rates than women
- Risk increases with age
Physical Factors
- Flat feet put extra strain on the tendon
- Excess weight adds pressure to the tendon
- Tight calf muscles increase tension
Exercise Habits
- Worn-out shoes provide poor support
- Cold weather training increases risk
- Running on hills adds strain to the tendon
Health Conditions
- Psoriasis sufferers face a higher risk
- High blood pressure is linked to tendinitis
- Some antibiotics (fluoroquinolones) can increase risk
Your risk rises when multiple factors combine. For example, an older man with flat feet who runs in old shoes on cold, hilly terrain faces a significantly higher risk than someone without these factors.
Possible Problems
Achilles tendinitis weakens the tendon over time. This weakness increases the risk of a complete tear or rupture. A ruptured Achilles tendon causes severe pain and typically requires surgery to repair it properly.
Prevention
Reducing the risk of Achilles tendinitis is possible with several key strategies. Taking these steps can help protect your tendon health during physical activities.
- Start physical activities slowly and build up over time. When beginning a new exercise program, gradually increase how long and hard you work out. This gives your tendons time to adapt to new stresses.
- Listen to your body during activities. Avoid exercises that cause tendon pain, like running on hills. Always warm up with lighter movements before intense exercise. Then, stop any activity that causes pain in your Achilles area.
- Proper footwear makes a big difference. Choose shoes with good heel cushioning and firm arch support to reduce tension on your Achilles tendon. Replace worn-out shoes promptly. Consider adding arch supports if your shoes don’t provide enough support.
- Daily stretching helps maintain flexibility. Stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning, before workouts, and after exercise. This is crucial for preventing the condition from returning.
- Building strength in your calf muscles creates better protection. Strong calves help your lower leg handle exercise stress more effectively.
- Mix up your activities to reduce tendon strain. Balance high-impact exercises like running and jumping with gentler options such as swimming and cycling.
