What is an Achilles tendon injury?

Achilles tendon injuries are one of the more serious sports related injuries, especially with runners and basketball players. The Achilles tendon is one of the longer tendons in your body stretching from the bones of your heel to your calf muscle. It is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body.

Types of Achilles tendon Injuries:

• Tendocalcaneal bursitis: pain and irritation occurs at the back of the heel

• Achilles tendonitis: occurs further up the leg, just above the heel bone

• Achilles tendon rupture is a break in a tendon, which can be a partial or total tear

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries:

• Overuse

• Stepping up your level of physical activity too quickly

• Running on hills or hard surfaces

• Not stretching enough before exercise

• Wearing high heels, which increases stress on the tendon

• Problems with the feet. Achilles tendon injuries can result from flat feet, also known as fallen arches. In this condition, the impact of a step causes the arch in your foot to collapse, stretching muscles and tendons

• Muscles or tendons in the leg that are too tight Signs and

Symptoms:

• Pain along the back of your foot and above your heel, especially when stretching your ankle or standing on your toes.  Pain may be mild and worsen gradually

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Hearing a snapping or popping noise during the injury

• Difficulty flexing your foot or pointing your toes

Treatment:

• Rest

• Ice

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Use of orthotics

• Do exercises to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon

• While recovering from an injury, change your sport or activity so condition does not worsen

When to visit an orthopedist?

• If you are unable to bear weight

• If pain is unbearable

• Follow up from Urgent or Emergency Care