Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles tendon pain is caused by an injury to the Achilles tendon, which is a large, fibrous cord of tissue that connects the muscles in the calf to the bones in the heel. It is this “heel cord,” as it is sometimes called, that makes it possible for us to walk properly.
Yet, it is easy to injury due to the fact that it has a poor blood supply in that part of the body. There are several things that cause Achilles tendon problems and many ways that the Achilles tendon can be injured and cause varying severities of pain.

Achilles Tendon Pain from Tendonitis

Achilles tendonosis causes Achilles tendon pain due to the deterioration of the tissue that makes up the tendon due to a lack of good blood flow and nutrition for the cells. The cells that make up the Achilles tendon can break down and die if they don’t get these two things. If the process is allowed to occur, Cells starve and die and the victim will suffer additional Achilles tendon pain.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

  • Slight Achilles tendon pain in the back of the leg, along with the area over the heel, after playing sports or doing some sort of running activity.
  • Continued severe Achilles tendon pain when running, walking, going up stairs, etc.
  • Slight tenderness or a stiff feeling first thing in the morning that may get better later in the day.
  • A noticeable bump or a swelled up place over the area where the Achilles tendon is located.
  • Cracking, popping or snapping when you move your leg or foot.
  • Weak lower leg muscles

Without treatment the Achilles tendon pain will get worse and the tendon may complete disintegrate due to losing strength. It could also progress into a full fledged Achilles tendon rupture or a tear.
Achilles tendon pain from tendonitis is usually treated with rest, icing, massage and taking anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin or Aleve. A physical therapist may also be assigned that will take the patient through strengthening exercises meant to get the tendons back in shape.

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

Some of the main causes of Achilles tendonitis include obesity, which puts a great strain on the area; as well as medical conditions such as flat feet, arthritis or hype- pronated arches; injuries to the foot or leg; wearing unsupportive shoes, not stretching prior to exercise; or taking Quinolone drug.

People who play sports, or are runners or do similar activities can be prone to getting Achilles tendon pain and problems because they have put too much stress on their tendon very quickly. If this stress continues, it not only causes Achilles tendon pain, it can suddenly snap or break the Achilles tendon free from the heel bone, thus causing worse injury, which will need further Achilles tendon pain treatment.

Achilles Tendon Pain from Tendinopathy

Another form of Achilles tendon pain is from tendinopathy, which is when a patient has strained their Achilles tendon too much through overuse. The pain is caused by the inflammation this can cause in the area. It is important to understand that even if the Achilles tendon is not actually damaged, it can be strained and stretched through activity like running or playing sports more than your body is used to and therefore causing Achilles tendon pain because the tendon has been stressed through over usage.
Another problem that can make a person more susceptible to Achilles tendon pain due to tendinopathy is gluten intolerance, or deficiencies in magnesium or Vitamin D, so see your doctor for diagnosing the cause of your Achilles tendon pain.

Achilles Tendon Pain due to Rupture, Tears

Some of the worst Achilles tendon pain is caused when the tendon ruptures or tears. It may even totally be severed, which in turn causes the worse possible Achilles tendon pain, as well as a sudden popping and snapping noise when it first occurs. This is normally caused by a sudden jumping or other forceful movement that stretches the tendon to the point where it snaps or tears.
This can be due to the area already being weakened through over usage or lack of prior stretching, being obese and putting too much strain on it or other issues. Any or all of these conditions may make it impossible to walk on the injured leg and at the very least; it will make the leg weaker than normal.
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture may include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Severe heel pain
  • Pain when try to go on tiptoes

Tears will cause less Achilles tendon pain than a complete separation and a victim may appear to have nearly normal usage at first, but not so if it is an actual separation.

Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture or tear may include:

  • Surgery
  • Immobilization in a cast or brace
  • Physical therapy
  • Special inserts or orthotics to put inside the shoes for support
  • Night splints to help stretch the area to give it more flexibility

Other Achilles tendon problems

The Achilles tendon is also subject to other problems that also cause Achilles tendon pain.
Some of these include:

  • Paratenonitis: The covering for the Achilles tendon is inflamed and thus causes swelling, pain and tenderness.
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis: The fluid filled sac right behind the heel bone and the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and swollen. This also causes Achilles tendon pain similar to other pain symptoms common to this area.
  • Insertional Achilles tendinopathy: Damage to the part of the body in which the Achilles tendon hooks to the bone in the heel. It causes Achilles tendon pain in the back of the heel and the victim can’t flex the foot properly.

Who is most at risk of Achilles Tendon Pain?

Athletes are some of the ones who are the most at risk of Achilles tendon pain since they stress and strain this area of the body on a daily basis. Others who also tend to stress their tendons are jobs such as laborers or anyone who is commonly on their feet alot. Males also tend to get Achilles tendon pain and injuries more than women and older people more than younger people.

How are conditions of the Achilles Tendon Diagnosed?

In order to determine if someone has merely strained the Achilles tendon and that is why they are suffering Achilles tendon pain, or if they may have ruptured or torn the tendon, the doctor must examine them. They will also most likely order x-rays, ultrasound or an MRI of the area to determine the severity of the problem.
The Achilles tendon is slow to heal and it can take someone weeks or months to fully recover, and in some cases recovery will not be 100 percent even if surgery is done on the area. Doctors can continue to offer support to relieve any chronic Achilles tendon pain if it still exists.

Achilles tendon pain can be anything from very mild to very severe, depending on the type of injury. If you believe you have injured your Achilles tendon and the Achilles tendon pain doesn’t ease up after self treatment with rest or ice, then you should make an appointment with a doctor.