What is Achilles Tendonitis? Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj
What is Achilles tendonitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment What is Achilles tendonitis?
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Types of Achilles tendonitis
Types of surgeries
Causes of Achilles tendonitis
Surgical Treatment
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis
What is Achilles tendonitis? Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bones. It helps the muscles move the bone or joint. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It runs along the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps in walking, running, and climbing. In athletes who take part in high-intensity sports, the constant stress on the Achilles tendon can cause degeneration. It can get inflamed and cause a condition called tendonitis.
Types of Achilles tendonitis
Noninsertional Achilles Tendonitis In this condition, the tissue in the middle part of the tendon starts to break down. This may cause swelling, thickening, and small tears. This kind of tendonitis usually occurs in young, active people who are into sports or high-intensity activities.
Insertional Achilles tendonitis This ailment targets the lower heel. This is where the tendon is attached to the heel bone. The fibres of the connective tissue could harden due to calcification and cause bone spurs that manifest as extra bone growth behind the heels. It can occur in sportspeople of any age and more often comes with years of overuse.
Repetitive stress to the tendon.
Causes of Achilles tendonitis
Suddenly increasing the intensity of an activity. A sudden increase in the duration of an activity.
Starting an intense activity without proper stretching. Development of a bone spur.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
Pain and stiffness at the back of the leg Pain along the tendon Pain at the back of the heel Severe pain after exercising Thickening of tendon Development of bone spurs Inflammation around the tendon
Mild tendonitis symptoms can be relieved with rest, icing, and medication. But with continued stress, it could gradually get worse and cause a rupture. If there is a sudden popping sound at the back of your calf or heel, it may mean that your tendon has ruptured. You will have to see a ortho doctor immediately.
Non Surgical Treatments
Non Surgical Treatments Rest – You will need to stop the activity or sport that is putting stress on the area. Icing – On the inflamed area. Medication – To reduce inflammation and for pain relief. Physiotherapy – Could include stretches and strengthening exercises. Custom orthotics – Shoes with heel lifts can help take the pressure off the tendon. Stem cell therapy. Shockwave therapy.
Surgical Treatment Types of Surgeries
Gastrocnemius recession
Débridement and repair
Débridement with tendon transfer
Types of surgeries Gastrocnemius recession In this procedure, the calf muscles are lengthened. This allows the heel to shift downward into a more natural position. It is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.
Débridement and repair The tendon is repaired if the damage is not severe. In this arthroscopic procedure, the unhealthy portion of the tendon is removed. The remaining tendon is repaired with sutures or stitches. If there is a bone spur, that will be removed too. Metal or plastic anchors may be used to help attach the Achilles tendon to the heel bone.
Débridement with tendon transfer If the damage to the Achilles tendon is severe, it may require removal and replacement. The procedure involves taking a tendon from the toe and attaching it to the heel bone. This helps in strengthening the heel bone. It will not be detrimental to the toe or affect the way you walk or play your sport.
If you are an athlete and constantly need Treatment for Sports Injuries like Achilles tendonitis, you should consult an orthopaedist. You can google “Orthopaedic Doctor Near me” to find one close to you.
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