What is Achilles Tendonitis? There are three condition affecting the Achillestendon that are referred to as Achilles tendonitis.  1)Paratendonitisorinflammation of the tissue surrounding the Achilles tendon,2) Insertional Achilles tendonitis or pain and inflammation at the attachment of the Achilles tendon into the heel, and 3) Achilles tendonosis or thickening and degeneration of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the most powerful tendon in the body and is subjected to a lot of stress with everyday walking and strenuous physical activity.Pain from Achilles tendonitis is noticed in the back of the heel just above where the back of your shoe hits your heel bone.  The pain usually appears during the beginning of a run or walk especially when you push off or rise on your toes.  The pain frequently subsides duringphysical activity returnsafter resting.

What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?

• Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by increasing your physical activity too suddenly.
• Not stretching adequately prior to physical activity.
• Wearing high heel shoes which causes the calf muscle to shorten.  When physical activity is performed the tendon is stretched tightly leading to tendonitis.
• Sometimes, weakening and inflammation of the tendon (called tendonosis) happens for no apparent reason or it can be related to some types of arthritis and is more frequent in women.
• Physical activity to which one is not accustom is the most frequent cause of Achilles tendon pain.

How is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?

• First, stop exercising until the condition gets better.  If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can cause chronic thickening and inflammation of the tendon.
• Wear shoes with flexible soles or wear backless shoes.
• Run or walk on flat surfaces and avoid hills and elevation on the treadmill.
• Flex and stretch the calf muscle daily as well as before and during exercise.
• Mild cases of Achilles tendonitis only need rest, ice, Tylenol, Advil, or Ecotrin.
• It is important not to go barefoot or wear shoes with no, or a low heel, because this further stresses the injured tendon.
• An extra heel lift in the shoe is very helpful to relieve the excessive pull of the Achilles tendon.
• Severe cases of Achilles tendonitis require immobilization of the foot and leg in a cast or splint.
• The Achilles tendon is one area of the foot that should never have a cortisone shot. Cortisone can weaken the attachment of the Achilles tendon, which could cause it to rupture.
• Persistent cases of Achilles tendonitis require surgery to remove inflamed tissue and/or remove spurring of the bone.

How Do I Prevent Achilles Tendonitis? Athletes must condition themselves slowly before going for the gold. It is also very important to stretch the Achilles tendons gently before doing physical activity. Wearing proper shoes with good support and heel elevation is also important.

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