subject: The Truth About Treating Sports Enthusiasts' Achilles Tendonitis [print this page] Exactly what is Achilles Tendonitis? Exactly what is Achilles Tendonitis?
Traumatic inflammation of the Achilles tendon is termed as Achilles Tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is a significant tendon attaching two major calf muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus, to the back of the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is one of many exercise-related injuries that results from repeated strain of any type (such as excessive exercising and jumping).
Symptoms of Tendonitis:
Discomfort anywhere along the back of the tendon
Swelling of the tendon
Restricted ankle flexibility
Sources of Tendonitis:
Out of hundreds of tendons scattered throughout the human body, there are few particular tendons that have weak blood supply. These tendon areas where blood supply is decreased are termed as "watershed zones". These watershed zones are supplied with comparatively lesser volume of oxygen and nutrients, it makes these tendons susceptible to tissue damage and poor treatment response. Sometimes, the tendon does not have a easy path to glide which results in swelling. Other widely known triggers of tendonitis are persistent, minor impact on the affected area, or a unexpected serious injury. As it turns out, people aged between 40-60 years are known to be more susceptible to Achilles Tendonitis. Additional noted causes of Tendonitis are:
Incorrect posture at work or home
Playing sports
Body exertion or minimal recovery time between physical activities
Change of footwear or abnormal floor surface
Inadequate stretching or conditioning just before exercise
An atypical or dislocated bone or joint that stresses soft-tissue structures
Circumstances such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders, or unusual medication responses
Forms of Tendonitis:
Tendonitis can develop in almost any area of the body where a tendon links a bone to a muscle. Some of the most known types of Tendonitis are:
Wrist Tendonitis: One of the most common problems, wrist tendonitis arises due to inflammation of the tendon sheath. Wrist Tendonitis typically causes soreness and inflammation around the wrist. Wrist tendonitis rarely requires any surgery.
Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis can lead to pain and inflammation in the back of heel. If it is diagnosed on time, one can avoid serious complications such as Achilles tendon rupture.
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: Posterior tibial tendonitis usually affects people with symptoms on the inner side of the ankle. If Posterior Tibial Tendonitis is left unresolved, it may lead to a flat foot.
Patellar (Kneecap) Tendonitis: Patellar Tendonitis (also known as Jumper's Knee) is triggered by the irritation of the patellar tendon. Rest and anti-inflammatory medication are common treatments for Patellar tendonitis.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Rotator cuff tendonitis is caused by the irritation of a particular area within the shoulder joint.
Top 7 ways for athletes to treat Achilles injuries:
Though tendonitis can be a serious problem, you can positively treat and protect against it from recurring. Here are the top seven ways in which athletes can handle tendonitis:
1. Focus on Rest: The first and most important step to treat tendonitis is to avoid activities that can exacerbate it. Avoid working out for a few days. This will help considerably with the recovery of the inflamed tendon. You may also try substitute exercise activities, such as swimming.
2. Apply Ice Pack: One of the best therapies of tendonitis is to apply an ice-pack on the inflamed area. The cold temperature will control the inflammation and swelling of the impacted area. Using an ice-pack will help treat the tendon more quickly.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Tendonitis can be treated by taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex. These medications will reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area.
4. Cortisone Injections: When tendonitis symptoms persist for a long period of time, some may seek cortisone injections. Injected directly into the inflamed area, cortisone injections help in treating tendonitis that has not responded to many other therapies.
5. Wear a heel pad: By wearing heel pad, you can raise the heel and take some stress off the Achilles tendon. This is a temporary measure while the Achilles tendon is repairing.
6. Athletic Shoes: Make sure you have the appropriate athletic shoes for your foot type and the sport in which you are participating.
7. Consult a sports injury professional: Take advice from someone whose line of work deals with proper training, or with sports injuries specifically, and who is experienced with healing and rehabilitation.
