Foot Conditions A-Z
Achilles Tendinitis
Tendons are the strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis is simply inflammation of a tendon, but it can create pain and tenderness near joints. Tendinitis can occur in any tendon. In the feet, the Achilles tendon is among the most commonly affected. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis may include the following:
- Heel pain and stiffness, especially in the morning.
- Pain in the tendon or the back of the heel that worsens with activity.
- Severe pain in the area above the back of the heel after exercising.
- Thickening of the tendon.
- Persistent swelling that worsens with activity.
Causes
Causes of Achilles tendinitis include the following:
- Overuse/repetitive motion.
- Sudden increases in activity levels.
- Straining or tearing of the tendon from sudden movements or repetitive movements.
- Degeneration due to aging.
- Systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Prevention and Treatment
Cross-training, stretching and decreasing the intensity of exercise when soreness occurs can help prevent Achilles tendinitis. Because the tendon can degenerate with age, eliminating or reducing exercises and activities that involve aggressive running and jumping can help prevent the condition.
To help ensure that your feet are optimally protected during activity, IPFH suggests that you wear only properly selected and fitted, as part of an integrated approach, padded socks with shoes with non-slip outsoles and any inserts or orthotics prescribed or recommended by a doctor or foot health professional. Peer-reviewed, published studies have shown that wearing clinically tested padded socks can help protect against injuries to the skin/soft tissue of the foot, due to impact, pressure and shear forces.
Treatment includes rest, icing and anti-inflammatory medication, if tolerated, to relieve pain and decrease swelling. More aggressive treatments include ultrasound, physical therapy, steroid injections and surgery if and when less invasive treatments are not effective.
Medical Considerations
A rupture of the Achilles tendon is a devastating injury that usually requires surgery and months of rest and rehabilitation. Therefore, it is important to treat any soreness and pain in the Achilles area quickly and effectively. See your doctor, who can properly diagnose the condition and provide advice on prevention and/or treatment. Also talk to your doctor if you have soreness, pain, redness, swelling or other indications of foot problems that persist for more than a few days.