How Achilles Tendonitis Can Cause Foot Pain
The strongest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon, serves to connect the muscles of the heel with those in the lower leg. This tendon is subject to tremendous pressure and in cases of running or jumping it sometimes needs to manage up to twelve times the body weight. When the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, Achilles tendonitis can develop, causing sufferers a great deal of discomfort and foot pain.
What Factors Lead to the Development of the Condition?
When the condition develops in young people, it can almost always be ascribed to overuse of the tendon due to a sudden frenzy of physical activity without warming up properly. Some sports, such as tennis and basketball, require players to stop and start suddenly and to jump regularly, and these activities may contribute to the condition. In many instances the condition is caused by physical injury to the heel, the tendon itself or the calf. Arthritis can most certainly also contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis, and sometimes bone growths in the tendon can cause severe irritation, leading to inflammation.
What are the Symptoms?
Most people that suffer from this condition complain of severe pain behind the heel and of foot pain. The pain is not always acute, but almost all patients experience increased levels of pain when the muscles of the ankle, calf and foot have not been in use for some time. The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch, and especially sharp pain may be experienced when pushing or jumping. Many sufferers find it difficult to stand on their toes.
How is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?
There are several treatment options for Achilles tendonitis, ranging from shoe insoles to drastic surgical interventions. The most effective cure can often be achieved by ensuring that all the muscles in the foot, ankle and heel are rested for a prolonged period of time. The majority of patients experience relief from pain by using special shoe insoles that raise the heel a little bit from the ground. Ice packs that is often applied to the affected area helps to improve the blood flow, and this contributes to relieve the foot pain somewhat. Most specialists prescribe medication and salves that aim to lessen the pain while dealing with the inflammation at the same time.
Medical experts regard physical therapy as an important part of any treatment program and patients are encouraged to do exercises that are designed to make the muscles suppler yet stronger. Surgery is generally not considered unless all other options have failed to produce results. Surgery is usually performed in order to remove the infected part of the tendon and to ensure that the remaining healthy part is re-attached to the heel.
How to Avoid Achilles Tendonitis
Most sportsmen know how important it is to avoid foot pain by using insoles and completing a series of stretching and warming up exercises before they subject their bodies to the rigors of exercise. Flexible muscles and tendons are able to bear much more weight and pressure, and athletes should consider insoles and an exercise regime that will achieve this state.
