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Achilles Tendonitis Foot and Leg Pain Needs Attention
The fierce Achilles of Greek mythology was a legendary hero of the Trojan War, but is remembered today for his greatest weakness his heel. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, has been named after this ancient hero. If Achilles had been able to schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist, perhaps this vulnerability may have been cured.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more. But it is also the most frequently ruptured tendon, and both professional and the everyday athletes can suffer from Achilles tendonitis, which is injury and inflammation of the tendon.
An attack of Achilles tendonitis can happen if you rapidly increase your running mileage or speed, add hill running or stair climbing to your work-out, start training too quickly after a break, or experience trauma from a sudden contraction or overuse of the calf muscles.
If you experience mild pain after exercise that gradually worsens, swelling, a noticeable sense of sluggishness in your leg, or feel a sense of stiffness that diminishes as the tendon warms up, there is a chance you may be suffering from Achilles tendonitis. Several conditions such as a partial tendon tear and heel bursitis have similar symptoms, so you should consider a consultation with a board certified orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist for a proper diagnosis.
Depending on the severity of your injury, treatment could involve the following
Rest, which means avoid running or any other exercise for a week, or maybe even switching to another exercise that won't stress your Achilles tendon, such as swimming.
Non-steroidal or anti-inflammatory medications.
Orthoses, which are devices that support the muscle and relieve stress on the tendon, such as a heel pads or shoe inserts.
A bandage designed to limit the motion of the tendon.
Stretching, massage, ultrasound and appropriate exercises to strengthen the weak muscle group in front of the leg and the upward foot flexors.
Surgery should be the last resort. Friction between the tendon and its covering sheath could occur, in turn thickening and hardening the sheath. Surgery is done to remove the toughened tissue and to repair any possible tears. Recovery is often slow, requiring a temporary cast and a rehabilitation program to prevent weakness.
You may not be able to prevent Achilles tendonitis, but here are some steps to reduce your risk of attack
Choose your running shoes carefully. They should provide enough “cushion” for the heel strike. Using orthotics that reposition a poorly aligned heel bone could also help.
The best precaution is to know your limits and follow a reasonable exercise program.
Warm up by walking and stretching before running. Focus on stretching and strengthening the calf muscles.
Increase running distance and speed gradually in increments no greater than 10% each week.
Avoid unfamiliar strenuous sprinting, such as hill running and the like.
Cool down properly after exercise.
