About The Achilles Tendon

By Dr. Stefan Tarlow

Injuries to the Achilles Tendon

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.

Two types of injury are quite common for the Achilles tendon:

1. Achilles Tendonitis is inflammation caused by overuse.

2. The Achilles tendon is sometimes torn.

Achilles Tendonitis Information

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.

When you have Achilles tendonitis, you may feel mild pain immediately after exercising that becomes worse and worse with time. Several hours after your workout, you may experience severe pain. After you have rested, you may experience swelling, tenderness and stiffness that may subside somewhat with movement.

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.

Torn Achilles

When you engage in strenuous activity, you are more likely to tear your Achilles tendon. If this happens, you may hear a cracking or popping sound. An Achilles tendon tear can be partial or complete. The tendon usually tears just above the calcaneous.

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.

Torn ligaments can be treated non-surgically by using a below-knee cast; however, this is not as effective as surgical treatment. It takes longer, and the healing is not as complete. You are more likely to have problems in the future when you allow the tendon to heal naturally.

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.