Prevention and Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis - Calf and Heel Pain in Runners and Athletes
Monday, January 22, 2018
Achilles tendonitis can be a common and frustrating cause of ankle and heel pain in runners and other athletes.
Anatomy of the Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon is the terminal extension of the three posterior muscles in the lower leg: the soleus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris. The achilles tendon attaches (inserts) into the posterior calcaneus. Inflammation of the tendon can occur either at the insertion of the tendon at the attachment to the bone or several inches above the bony attachment of the tendon.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis and tendinosis
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis can include:
- Pain, swelling, tenderness or stiffness at the Achilles tendon.
- Heel pain during or after exercise
- Heel pain worse with running and jumping
- Pain worse with heel strike or pushing off from the ground
- Formation of a "bump" on the back of the heel
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A rupture of the Achilles tendon can occur during a forceful push-off. Typically there is a "pop" or ripping sensation in the back of the calf, followed by pain and decreased movement of the ankle. A suspected achilles tendon rupture re‘õuires evaluation by a sports medicine physician and may re‘õuire surgery with prolonged immobilization in a leg cast and then walking boot.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis
Overuse or overloading of the Achilles tendon, from either too much volume or too high of an intensity of activity is a common cause of Achilles tendonitis.
Other common causes of chronic Achilles tendon include:
- Tight calf muscle.
- Recent increase in running mileage or running up hills.
- Over-pronation (rolling in of the foot)
- High foot arches (pes cavus) and flat feet (pes planus)
Prevention of Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis
Most Achilles tendon injuries occur as the result of "too much, too soon" or poor biomechanics and can be prevented with these simple tips and listening to your body. Achilles tendon injuries can be prevented by avoiding overtraining, allowing for adequate recovery and rest, following a regular stretching and strengthening program and selecting proper running shoes for your running style.
The best advice is to seek early advice from your physio inq physiotherapist to do all you can to avoid this nasty rupture happening in the first place. Prevention is and always will be best practice.
