Achilles Tendinitis Definition

Achilles tendinitis is a condition that causes pain on the back of your leg near your heel. The Achilles tendon is strong and can take huge amounts of stress, but it can also develop tendinitis if over used.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Pain after exercising
• Thickening of the tendon
• Pain and stiffness in the tendon in the morning
• Pain at the back of the heel
• Swelling
• Bone spur

Achilles Tendinitis Risk Factors

You are more likely to develop Achilles tendinitis:

• If you are starting a sudden exercise regimen that puts too much stress on the tendon
• You have extra bone growth
• You do very intense work out sessions

Achilles Tendinitis Diagnosis

Based on the symptoms, your doctor will examine your foot and look for signs of pain and discomfort or immobility. He will also run the following tests to rule out any other possibilities:

• X-Ray
• MRI scan

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment

Achilles tendinitis can mostly be fixed through some extra care which may include:

• Exercising in moderation
• Applying ice packs on inflamed areas
• Resting plenty
• Getting Physiotherapy

Achilles Tendinitis Medication and Surgery

Medication for Achilles tendinitis includes steroidal and non-steroidal drugs.

Surgery should be considered a last resort, only if there are no signs of the pain reducing. Types of surgery include:

• Debridement and repair - This is recommended only if the tendon is less than 50% damaged
• Gastrocnemius recession (surgical lengthening of the calf muscle)
• Debridement with tend on transfer - This is recommended if the tendon is over 50% damaged

Read an overview of the Orthopedic treatments at Apollo Hospitals Click here