Achilles tendonitis is a condition that is caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon which joins the muscles in the leg to the heel of the foot. This condition mostly affects runners who overuse this joint causing it to get injuries. People who play basketball are also more likely to get Achilles tendonitis than people who don’t.
Achilles tendonitis is a common cause of heel pain in New York and pain that occurs at the back of the leg. This pain worsens when you run and climb stairs. To prevent complications of Achilles tendonitis, which includes tearing of the tendon, you should consult a qualified doctor who will assess the severity of the condition.
Table of Contents
Is Achilles Tendonitis Preventable?
There are some things that you can do to lower your chances of suffering from Achilles tendonitis. If you decide to start doing exercise, you should avoid strenuous exercise as you start to give your body time to adapt. It is advisable to start gradually and increase the complexity of exercise with time.
Before starting strenuous exercise, you should do warm-up exercises to prepare your body. Avoid exercises that give you pain and those that stress the Achilles tendon like running up a hill. It is advisable to stretch your Achilles tendons every morning and before and after exercise.
Do exercises that make your calf muscles and Achilles tendon strong, thus enhancing their ability to withstand stress and pressure. To prevent stretching the Achilles tendon and tearing it, wear comfortable shoes that support the arch of your feet and cushion the tendons, preventing injury.
What Are the Risk Factors of Achilles Tendonitis?
Some people are at a high risk of Achilles tendonitis, especially athletes and sportsmen. Elderly people are also at a high risk of this condition because as you age, your feet undergo wear and tear which makes you prone to injuries. Achilles tendonitis is more common in men than women because they are more likely to engage in risky sports and exercises.
Some congenital conditions, like flat feet, make you at a higher risk of developing Achilles tendonitis. If you are overweight or obese, the weight exerts a lot of pressure on the Achilles tendon and can make you prone to Achilles tendonitis. Other conditions that put you at a high risk of Achilles tendonitis include hypertension, having tight calf muscle, and psoriasis.
If you use some medications, like fluoroquinolones, they can predispose you to Achilles tendonitis, and so can wearing old, worn-out shoes while exercising. People who exercise on hilly places have a high chance of getting Achilles tendonitis compared to those who exercise on flat terrain.
Treatment of Achilles tendonitis involves conservative management where you can rest the leg or use cold compresses, using painkillers, and going for physical therapy. If your Achilles tendon is ruptured, you will require surgical repair.
Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and presents within the heel and back of the leg. The risk of getting Achilles tendonitis increases as you age and if you engage in strenuous exercise. To prevent severe complications like rupture of the Achilles tendon, you should visit a doctor when you notice any symptoms.