Achilles Tendonitis

What is the Achilles Tendon?

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the “heel cord,” the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.  
 

 

Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendonosis

 Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis. 
 
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time the condition usually progresses to a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis), in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to develop microscopic tears. Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the tendon.

 

 

Symptoms

· Pain—aching, stiffness, soreness, or tenderness—within the tendon. This may occur anywhere along the tendon’s path, beginning with the narrow area directly above the heel upward to the region just below the calf muscle. Often pain appears upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest, then improves somewhat with motion but later worsens with increased activity.

· Tenderness , or sometimes intense pain, when the sides of the tendon are squeezed.  There is less tenderness, however, when pressing directly on the back of the tendon.

· When the disorder progresses to degeneration, the tendon may become enlarged and may develop nodules in the area where the tissue is damaged.

 

Causes

As “overuse” disorders, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are usually caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers. Due to this ongoing stress on the tendon, the body is unable to repair the injured tissue. The structure of the tendon is then altered, resulting in continued pain.

Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are also common in individuals whose work puts stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers, as well as in “weekend warriors”— those who are less conditioned and participate in athletics only on weekends or infrequently.

In addition, people with excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis due to the greater demands placed on the tendon when walking. If these individuals wear shoes without adequate stability, their over-pronation could further aggravate the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

 In diagnosing Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis, the foot specialist will examine the patient’s foot and ankle and evaluate the range of motion and condition of the tendon. The extent of the condition can be further assessed with x-rays, ultrasound or MRI.

 

 

Treatment

Treatment approaches for Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis are selected on the basis of how long the injury has been present and the degree of damage to the tendon. 

In the early stage, when there is sudden (acute) inflammation, one or more of the following options may be recommended:

· Custom Orthotics & Bracing.  These can help the Achilles tendon pull more efficiently and reduce twisting of the tendon which is associated with overpronation.  Braces can support the tendon and reduce strain to promote quicker healing.

 · Shockwave therapy is now available at our office. High intensity sound waves target the Achilles tendon and accelerate healing.  This treatment does not involve any incisions and has been shown to be effective in over 80% of patients. Patients are permitted to walk immediately after the procedure.

· Footwear.  Proper shoes and heel height can reduce the tension on this tendon.

· Immobilization. Immobilization may involve the use of a cast or removable walking boot to reduce forces through the Achilles tendon and promote healing. 

 

· Ice. To reduce swelling due to inflammation, apply a bag of ice over a thin towel to the affected area for 20 minutes of each waking hour. Do not put ice directly against the skin.

 

· Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation in the early stage of the condition.

 

· Physical therapy. Physical therapy may include ultrasound & phonophoresis, strengthening exercises, soft-tissue massage/mobilization, gait and running re-education.

If non-surgical approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition, surgery may be necessary.

 

Prevention

To prevent Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis from recurring after surgical or non-surgical treatment, the podiatrist or chiropodist may recommend strengthening and stretching of the calf muscles through daily exercises.

Wearing proper shoes for the foot type and activity is also important in preventing recurrence of the condition