ACHILLES TENDONITIS
A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body. It runs down the back of the lower leg to connect the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is also known as the heel cord. The Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel offthe ground. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This usually occurs in the first four to six weeks from the onset of pain. Over time this condition can progress to a degeneration of the tendon; Achilles Tendonosis. Here the tendon loses its organized structure and develops microscopic tears. Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include pain and tenderness anywhere along the course of the Achilles tendon from the heel bone to the calf muscle. Pain may be elicited by activity or side to side pressure upon examination. As the disorder progresses to deterioration the tendon may become enlarged and may develop nodules in the area where the tissue is damaged. Causes are from “Over-Use” syndrome. An increase in activity involving the Achilles tendon puts too much stress on the tendon fibers leading to micro-injury and tears of the tendon fibers. Diagnosis can easily be made at the time of your examination. We may use x-ray, ultrasound and MRI to aid us in confirming your clinical diagnosis. Prevention can be accomplished with daily exercises including stretching and strengthening. Proper shoes and sneakers with an arch support for your specific activity. |
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