Achilles tendinitis often presents as pain in the back of the heel and lower leg. It is an extremely common disorder that can affect a large range of people, from the professional athlete to an elderly person that's does not walk that much. The treatments and presentations of Achilles tendinitis can vary as much as the patient's who have it. Tendinitis by definition is inflammation in a tendon. This can occur in any tendon in the body.

The Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the back of the heel. It is the thickest, strongest tendon in the body. It is responsible for lifting almost 100% of the body's weight with every other step. For this reason a lot of strain goes through the tendon.

Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon starts to get small tears from all the strain that is placed on it. These tears cause an inflammatory response. The inflammation is perceived as pain. Over time these tears are replaced by scar tissue. As the scar tissue builds up the tendon becomes thicker and less elastic. Unlike bones or ligaments tendons need to be able to stretch as well as pull. So a certain amount of elasticity is required in a tendon for proper function. When the tendon thickens it becomes less elastic and more painful whenever it does stretch.

Most people have heard of tennis elbow. This is a nagging soreness that occurs in the elbow. It got its name because it occurs often with people who play a lot of tennis. Tennis elbow is tendinitis of a tendon in the elbow. Like tennis elbow Achilles tendinitis can be caused by certain athletic activities.

Activities that can cause Achilles tendinitis are anything that involves running or jumping. Obviously long-distance running can cause it due to the significant amount of consistent strain put on the Achilles. Activities like basketball, football, or sprinting cause tendinitis due to the sudden and forceful strain applied to the Achilles. In each case the Achilles over time will become thicker and less elastic.

The number one preventative measure with respect to Achilles tendinitis is stretching. Stretching out the calf muscles before and after exercise is extremely important. All of the calf muscles conjoin and turn into the Achilles tendon. Hence by stretching the calf the Achilles tendon is stretched. Stretching will preserve the elasticity needed for normal walking.

Depending on the severity of the Achilles tendinitis there are several treatment plans used to resolve the problem. Often times physical therapy is utilized to decrease the inflammation process. There are several modalities used to break up the scar tissue present in the Achilles which cause it to thicken. As a last resort surgical intervention may be required. There are several minimally invasive procedures used to resolve the tendinitis.

If it seems like you may have Achilles tendinitis it would be a good idea to stretch your calves and be evaluated by our office. Waiting for the problem to get worse can be detrimental.