Achilles Tendinitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle and the heel bone.
These tendons work when you walk, jump, and run.
There are two types of Achilles tendinitis, namely insertional and non-insertional. Below is the explanation.
1. Insertional Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation occurs in the lower part of the Achilles tendon that attaches to the calcaneus bone or heel.
2. Non-insertional Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation of the muscle fibers of the middle part of the Achilles tendon. This type is more common in active young people.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:
- Pain in the back of the heel
- Pain worsens with activity
- Swollen
- Calf muscles feel tight
- Limited movement when bending the legs
- The heel felt warm
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Formation of bone spurs (insertional tendinitis)
- Tendon thickening
Achilles Tendinitis Reason
In general, Achilles tendinitis is caused by sports or excessive walking activity, especially in athletic athletes.
In addition, there are several medical conditions that are not related to sports but can cause Achilles tendinitis, namely rheumatoid arthritis and infection.
Risk Factors
Achilles tendinitis is more at risk for those who:
- Exercising without a good warm-up
- Tighten the calf muscles during exercise or activity
- Sports that require the player to stop suddenly and change direction, such as tennis
- A sudden increase in physical activity without allowing the body to adapt to the increase in training
- Wearing ill-fitting or old shoes
- Wearing high heels for long periods of time or every day
- Having bone growth ( bone spurs ) behind the heel
- Old age because the Achilles tendon weakens with age
Diagnosis
There are several ways doctors can establish the diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis, namely:
1. Clinical Symptoms
Doctors can determine the diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis from clinical symptoms such as pain and swelling in the heel.
2. Physical Examination
There is pressure pain in the Achilles tendon area, swelling, warmth and limited movement.
The doctor can also ask the sufferer to stand on the ball while paying attention to the range of motion and flexibility.
3. X-Rays on Leg Bones
X-rays provide a clear picture of the bones. This examination can show bone spurs at the back of the heel, which may be present in patients with insertional Achilles tendinitis.
In severe cases of non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, X-rays can show calcification in the middle of the tendon.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not required to diagnose Achilles tendinitis, it is important to plan the next course of action, namely surgery, when non-surgical treatment is ineffective.
An MRI scan can show the severity of damage to the tendon.
5. Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan can see tendon movement, inflammation, and related damage.
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment
The initial therapy when there is an injury to the Achilles tendon is the RICE method, namely:
1. Rest
Resting the achilles tendon and avoiding pressure until 1-2 days the sufferer can walk without pain.
2. Ice
Compress the tendon with ice for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation and swelling.
3. Compression
Apply pressure by wrapping with a bandage or elastic tape in the area around the tendon, so that it does not swell. But, don’t wrap it too tightly because it can restrict blood flow.
4. Elevation
Raise the legs until they are above the chest position to make the blood return to the heart faster and thus reduce swelling.
After doing RICE, there are many other things that can also be done to relieve Achilles tendinitis, such as:
- Reduce physical activity or rest
- Changing sports to a more non-heavy type
- Do a slow stretch on the calf muscles
- Doing sports to strengthen the calf muscles slowly
- Using a cold compress on the painful area after exercising
- Do physical therapy
- Using shoes with heel pads to reduce tension on the Achilles tendon
If the above methods are still not able to relieve Achilles tendinitis, the sufferer can consume pain-relieving drugs or undergo surgical procedures.
In addition, steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can also be done.
Surgical procedures are the last resort and the only way to treat a torn Achilles tendon.
One of the complications that can occur from the procedure is hematoma and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Patients can consult with bone or orthopedic specialists, sports medicine specialists, or medical rehabilitation specialists.
Some drugs that are often used in patients with Achilles tendinitis are:
1. Aspirin
Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is a drug derived from salicylate that is often used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a drug that belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is used to reduce pain due to arthritis.
Prevention
Achilles tendinitis can be prevented in the following ways:
- Avoiding excessive physical activity that puts an excess load on the Achilles tendon
- Warming up and stretching the calf muscles before and after exercise
- Exercise gradually or in combination from light to heavy
- Use shoes that have good heel cushioning
- Avoid wearing high heels every day or for long periods of time
- Exercise on a flat and level surface
- Stop doing activities that cause the pain to increase or rest
Complications
The most common complications of Achilles tendinitis are:
- Severe pain that interferes with activity
- Tendon rupture
- Difficulty walking to the point of not being able to walk at all
- Tendonosis
When Should I Go to the Doctor?
Acute Achilles tendinitis symptoms usually disappear after a few days of rest and proper home care, including the RICE method.