Achillies Pain

Dr Kevin Driscoll ACHILIES-PAIN Achilles Pain

The Achillies Pain

The Achilles tendon is located behind the ankle and is an extension of the soleus and gastrocnemius (calf muscles), which moves behind the lower leg and gets attached to the calcaneus, i.e. the heel bone. The Achilles tendon provides balance and strong propulsive force for the leg while running by connecting the leg muscles to the foot.

Achilles Tendon rupture

When the tendon found at the Achilles is stretched beyond its limit it would snap and this would lead to Achilles tendon rupture. This may happen when running, forceful jumping. A severe pivoting may cause the Achilles tendon to tear. Some of the sports that may cause the Achilles to rupture include, football, basketball and gymnastics, and tennis.

This tendon may also tear when someone either trips or falls. It is very common among middle-aged persons who choose to engage in amateur sports or exercises. These persons are referred to as ‘weekend warriors’. Although not usually the case but this tendon may become weakened as a result of medications such as antibiotics and steroids.

When this tendon ruptures it is observed as severe pain at the back of the leg right above the heel. This is usually accompanied by a swelling difficulty in walking due to the stiffness of the leg.

Some persons may hear a popping or snapping sound or as soon as the injury occurs.

Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles is the largest tendon in the human body and aids the feet to perform its many physical activities such as running, walking, sprinting, and jumping. Achilles tendonitis is a common occurrence that happens as a result of the inflammation of the tendon that runs from the calf to the heel bone. Although the Achilles tendon can withstand a lot of pressure and strain, It easily gets irritated and this may lead to Achilles tendon pain. The Achilles tendonitis usually affects long-distance runners and sprinters.

There are two major kinds of Achilles tendonitis:

Insertional Achilles Tendonitis usually occurs at the spot where the large tendon connects to the heel bone.
Mid-substance or non-insertional Achilles Tendonitis happens at the middle point of the tendon.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

Some of the major symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis include:

Tenderness: this may cause severe pain when the two tendons are squeezed or when there is direct contact.
Pain: one might feel some stiffness, aching, or soreness within the Achilles tendon. This pain may be felt around the calf or the heel. The pain may get worse as one exercises more or during the early mornings.
Tendon thickening: The Achilles tendon may become thick.

Insertional tendonitis: also known as a bone spur is the development of nodules right behind the tissue and usually occurs at the point of degeneration

Causes or Risk Factors for Achilles Tendonitis

There is no specific injury that could be said to be the main cause of Achilles Tendonitis. It usually happens when there is repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. When a person exerts so much pressure in a short time during a sport or an exercise. This may lead to a snapping of the tendon as a result of the pressure on the tendon.

Although certain factors may increase the risk factors of Achilles tendonitis. Some of which include:

Beginning and participating aggressively in a sporting activity with tight muscles.

The growth of an extra bone where the tendon attaches to the heel. This usually rubs against the tendon and causes severe pain.