Achilles tendinitis is when there’s irritation and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, a large tendon that attaches your calf muscles to your heel bone, or calcaneus. Show You use the Achilles tendon to jump, walk, run, and stand on the balls of your feet. Overusing or damaging this area can lead to Achilles tendinitis. There are two types of Achilles tendinitis:
Simple home treatments can help relieve pain and heal Achilles tendinitis. However, if home treatment doesn’t work, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional. If Achilles tendinitis gets worse, your tendon can rupture, or burst. You may need medication or surgery to treat the condition. The main symptom of Achilles tendinitis is pain and swelling in the backside of your heel when you walk or run. You may also have tight calf muscles and limited range of motion when you flex your foot. Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis also include:
Achilles tendinitis is often caused by overusing the tendon during exercise or from gradual wear and tear as you age. It can also be caused by arthritis, especially among middle-aged and older adults. Other common causes of Achilles tendinitis include:
Many treatments are available for Achilles tendinitis, ranging from home remedies like rest and anti-inflammatory medication to more invasive treatments like steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and surgery. Here are some other common treatments for Achilles tendinitis:
RICE methodThe rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method can be effective in treating Achilles tendinitis right after you’re injured. Here’s how it works:
SurgeryIf home treatments don’t work, surgery may be necessary to repair your Achilles tendon. If the condition worsens and is left untreated, there’s a greater risk of an Achilles rupture, which requires emergency medical attention. This can cause sharp pain in the heel area. Your doctor may recommend a few options for Achilles tendon surgery based on how severe the condition is and where it’s located. Surgery may involve:
Your doctor will usually refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to decide which procedure is best for you. If you don’t already have an orthopedist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area. To diagnose Achilles tendinitis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, overall health, and medical history. They will also do a physical exam of your Achilles tendon, which may include checking for bone spurs and swelling. The doctor may feel around the area to pinpoint where the pain and swelling are most severe. You may also need to stand on the balls of your feet so your doctor can check your range of motion and flexibility. In some cases, a doctor may order imaging tests to confirm whether you have Achilles tendinitis. This may include:
Achilles tendinitis can happen to anyone. However, you may be at higher risk if you:
In general, Achilles tendinitis is more common among men and people age 30 and up. The most common complication of Achilles tendinitis is pain, which may take at least 2 to 3 months to go away completely. You may also have trouble walking or exercising, and your tendon or heel bone could become deformed. People with Achilles tendinitis also face a small risk of rupture. This happens when the tears in your tendon fibers worsen and cause a complete or partial break in the Achilles tendon. Hearing a “pop” from the back of your heel or calf is a sign of a rupture. This is a serious emergency that may require surgery to fix. A 2017 study found that complications such as infection or difficulties in wound healing are possible, though uncommon, after a surgery for Achilles tendinitis. Complications can worsen if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions after an operation. If you continue to put stress on your Achilles tendon after surgery, your tendon can rupture again. To lower your risk of Achilles tendinitis, try to:
Acute symptoms of Achilles tendinitis usually go away after a few days of rest and proper home treatment, including the RICE method. However, some pain may linger for months. Full recovery could take a lot longer if you continue to put pressure on the tendon or don’t change your exercise habits to prevent another injury or rupture. Long-term tendinitis can cause additional problems, such as tendonosis, or weakening of the tendon. A tendon rupture or chronic Achilles tendinitis may require long-term treatment or surgery. Full recovery from surgery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Seeking treatment for Achilles tendinitis or a ruptured tendon right away is very important. Carefully following your doctor’s instructions will give you a much better chance for a quick recovery. What are 2 signs of Achilles tendonitis?The symptoms of achilles tendonitis include:. Pain in the heel and along the length of the tendon when walking or running.. Pain and stiffness in the area in the morning.. Pain in the achilles tendon when touched or moved.. Swelling and warmth in the heel or along the tendon.. Difficulty standing up on one toe.. What is the best way to treat Achilles tendonitis?Self-care strategies include the following steps, often known by the acronym R.I.C.E.:. Rest. You may need to avoid exercise for several days or switch to an activity that doesn't strain the Achilles tendon, such as swimming. ... . Ice. ... . Compression. ... . Elevation.. What can be mistaken for Achilles tendonitis?Laying between the heel bone and Achilles tendon, the retrocalcaneal bursa can become inflamed with repeated trauma. Achilles bursitis can often be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis and when a patient exhibits Achilles tendinitis and Achilles bursitis together, it is known as Haglund's syndrome.
Does Achilles tendonitis go away by itself?With rest, Achilles tendonitis usually gets better within 6 weeks to a few months. To lower your risk of Achilles tendonitis again: Stay in good shape year-round.
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