Achilles Tendon Facts
The Achilles Tendon: Injuries & Treatment
Of all of the tendons in the human body, the Achilles tendon is the largest. The muscles at the posterior of the lower leg are attached to the calcaneous (heel bone) by the Achilles tendon. Because if it's location, the Achilles tendon must withstand a great deal of pressure during strenuous exercise - especially sporting activities that involve a lot of pivoting.
There are two types of injury to which the Achilles tendon is particularly susceptible:
1. Achilles Tendonitis is inflammation caused by overuse.
#2 The Achilles tendon can be torn during strenuous activity.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
When you suddenly increase the intensity of your training or change to a new kind of training without completely conditioning your body to it, you may be subject to Achilles tendonitis. You may be particularly prone to it if you add sudden vigorous activity like uphill running to your training schedule. Additionally, if you take a long break from training and then start right back up at your peak level, you may cause Achilles tendonitis.
You may experience Achilles tendonitis as mild pain after exercise that worsens as time passes. Several hours after completing your exercise routine, the pain may become severe. After rest, you may feel stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Movement may improve these symptoms.
In the case of a torn Achilles tendon surgical repair may be indicated. Toughened, fibrous tissue and tears can be removed with surgery. Following surgery, rehabilitation will speed recovery and help avert future ankle weakness.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement surgeries.
Specifics About Achilles Tendon Surgery
You may overstretch your Achilles tendon during vigorous activity. This often happens during sports. You may actually hear a crack or a snap when the injury occurs. The tear is usually located just above the calcaneous (heel bone). It may be complete or partial.
If this happens, you may find that you are not able to bend your foot into a downward position or even to walk normally. This type of injury is very painful and causes a lot of swelling around the heel.
When you experience a complete rupture, you will usually need surgery. Following your surgery, you will probably be required to wear a walking cast or boot for about 3 months to hold the ankle stable.
Although it is possible to treat torn ligaments non-surgically with a below-knee cast, this is not recommended. It takes longer for the ends of the torn tendon to heal naturally, and there is more likelihood that the tendon will experience damage in the future.
With surgery, there is a much better chance of recovering fully. This is why athletes prefer to have the surgery. It allows them to return to their former level of activity with confidence after an Achilles tendon injury.
Click here to learn more about orthopedic and knee surgeons.
Of all of the tendons in the human body, the Achilles tendon is the largest. The muscles at the posterior of the lower leg are attached to the calcaneous (heel bone) by the Achilles tendon. Because if it's location, the Achilles tendon must withstand a great deal of pressure during strenuous exercise - especially sporting activities that involve a lot of pivoting.
There are two types of injury to which the Achilles tendon is particularly susceptible:
1. Achilles Tendonitis is inflammation caused by overuse.
#2 The Achilles tendon can be torn during strenuous activity.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
When you suddenly increase the intensity of your training or change to a new kind of training without completely conditioning your body to it, you may be subject to Achilles tendonitis. You may be particularly prone to it if you add sudden vigorous activity like uphill running to your training schedule. Additionally, if you take a long break from training and then start right back up at your peak level, you may cause Achilles tendonitis.
You may experience Achilles tendonitis as mild pain after exercise that worsens as time passes. Several hours after completing your exercise routine, the pain may become severe. After rest, you may feel stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Movement may improve these symptoms.
In the case of a torn Achilles tendon surgical repair may be indicated. Toughened, fibrous tissue and tears can be removed with surgery. Following surgery, rehabilitation will speed recovery and help avert future ankle weakness.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement surgeries.
Specifics About Achilles Tendon Surgery
You may overstretch your Achilles tendon during vigorous activity. This often happens during sports. You may actually hear a crack or a snap when the injury occurs. The tear is usually located just above the calcaneous (heel bone). It may be complete or partial.
If this happens, you may find that you are not able to bend your foot into a downward position or even to walk normally. This type of injury is very painful and causes a lot of swelling around the heel.
When you experience a complete rupture, you will usually need surgery. Following your surgery, you will probably be required to wear a walking cast or boot for about 3 months to hold the ankle stable.
Although it is possible to treat torn ligaments non-surgically with a below-knee cast, this is not recommended. It takes longer for the ends of the torn tendon to heal naturally, and there is more likelihood that the tendon will experience damage in the future.
With surgery, there is a much better chance of recovering fully. This is why athletes prefer to have the surgery. It allows them to return to their former level of activity with confidence after an Achilles tendon injury.
Click here to learn more about orthopedic and knee surgeons.
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with more than 20 years experience focusing on knee surgery. After 19 years of practice, he opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, in Phoenix, Arizona. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, knee surgeons in Phoenix and ACL Surgery in Phoenix.
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