Facts About The Achilles Tendon

By Dr. Stefan Tarlow

The Achilles Tendon: Injuries & Treatment

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon, and it takes the most stress. Located at the back of the lower leg, the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the calcaneous, or heel bone. This location makes the Achilles tendon especially susceptible to injury during sporting activities due to pivoting and other pressures exerted on it.

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

#1 Achilles tendonitis is inflammation caused by overuse.

#2 The Achilles tendon can be torn during strenuous activity.

The Specifics of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is caused by a sudden increase in the intensity of activity to which the Achilles tendon is subjected. So, for example, if you suddenly change the type of training you are doing or greatly increase the intensity of your existing training, you are likely to experience Achilles tendonitis. This is why you must take great care when adding very strenuous exercise to your routine or when returning to exercise after an extended break.

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.

If you tear your Achilles tendon, you will probably need surgery. With surgery, torn, fibrous and toughened tissues can be removed. After your surgery, you will be sent to rehabilitation to quicken your recovery and prevent ankle weakness in the future.

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More Information About A Torn Achilles Tendon

During strenuous activity, it is quite possible to tear the Achilles tendon. This is especially likely to happen while participating in sports. When the Achilles tendon tears, you may actually hear an audible snapping or cracking sound. You may have a partial or complete tear. This injury usually occurs just above the heel bone.

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.

If you have a complete rupture, you will probably need surgery. Following surgery, you will need to use a cast or walking boot to keep your ankle stable. This will last about 3 months.

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.

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