Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation and/or degeneration of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Causes

The Achilles tendon can become irritated for several reasons including:
  • Increasing your speed or running distance too quickly
  • Suddenly adding strenuous hills or stair climbing to your exercise routine
  • Doing too much too soon after taking time away from exercising
  • A sudden or violent contraction of the calf muscles, such as during an all-out sprint
  • Overuse injury
  • Lack of flexibility of the calf muscles

Risk Factors

The Achilles tendon can become irritated for several reasons including:
  • Increasing your speed or running distance too quickly
  • Suddenly adding strenuous hills or stair climbing to your exercise routine
  • Doing too much too soon after taking time away from exercising
  • A sudden or violent contraction of the calf muscles, such as during an all-out sprint
  • Overuse injury
  • Lack of flexibility of the calf muscles

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Tenderness an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (noticeable in the morning upon rising)
  • Stiffness that gradually eases as the tendon is warmed-up
  • Pain after activity that gradually worsens
  • Radiating or localized pain along the tendon during and/or after running
  • Swelling

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and exercise habits, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:
  • X-rays - to see if there is calcium in the tendon
  • MRI scan - to view areas of damage to the tendon

Treatment

Rest
Take a break from the activity that caused the tendinitis. Switch to an activity, such as swimming, that doesn't put stress on the tendon.

Orthoses
You may be advised to wear a heel pad or shoe insert that will place your foot in the correct position for walking and running.

Physical therapy
  • Stretching
  • Massage
  • Ultrasound
  • Strengthening exercises
Medications
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to ease the pain and decrease inflammation

Prevention

To decrease your chances of getting Achilles tendinitis:
  • Take the time to warm-up and cool-down properly.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for your sport.
  • Do not use shoes beyond the recommended duration. This will depend on:
  • How frequently you exercise
  • The surface on which you exercise
  • The conditions in which you exercise
     
  • Gradually add hill work, stairs, speed, and distance to your exercise routine.
  • Stretch and strengthen the calf muscles regularly.