Why Does My Achilles Tendon Hurt?

You don’t have to be an accomplished athlete to suffer Achilles tendon injuries. They can occur from performing minor household tasks, such as climbing a ladder. Achilles tendon weakness is common in adults and prompt treatment when symptoms occur can prevent more serious injury.

The Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the body, but is subjected to considerable wear and tear. When the tendon becomes inflamed from overuse or too much sudden stress, tendonitis can weaken it over time and cause microscopic tears. Going without treatment only increases risk for further deterioration and possible rupture.

Pain, stiffness and tenderness in the area are the main symptoms of Achilles tendonitis. Pain occurs in the morning, improves with motion, but gets worse with increasing stress and activity.

In addition to athletes, Achilles tendonitis is common for anyone whose work routine puts constant stress on the feet and ankles. Achilles tendon injuries happen most often to less conditioned, “weekend warrior” athletes who overdo it.
When pain and other symptoms indicate possible Achilles tendonitis, a thorough diagnosis is necessary to determine the extent of the trauma and evaluate the flexibility and range of motion in the tendon. Treatment options depend on the extent of the injury.

They include:
• Casting to immobilize the Achilles tendon and promote healing
• Ice to reduce swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to strengthen the tendon
• Surgery, if other approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition

Recreational activities involving jumping and running are the major cause of Achilles tendon injuries. In sports like basketball and tennis, muscles and tendons in the back of the leg are prone to injury from an imbalance that occurs from a lot of forward motion. As a result, the frontal imbalance can weaken the tendon unless stretching exercises are performed regularly.

The best way to prevent Achilles tendon injuries is to warm up gradually by walking and stretching. Further, it’s best to avoid strenuous sprinting or hill running if you are not in shape for it.

Popular Flip-Flop Sandals Linked to Rising Youth Heel Pain Rate

Many of us wear flip-flop sandals throughout the year; however, their popularity among teens and young adults is responsible for a growing epidemic of heel pain in this population.

We’re seeing more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn’t have this problem. A major contributor is wearing flip-flop sandals with paper-thin soles everyday to school. Flip-flops have no arch support and can accentuate any abnormal biomechanics in foot motion, and this eventually brings pain and inflammation.

Wearing sandals with reasonably strong soles and arch support is recommended. Especially for girls and young women, thicker soled sandals with supportive arches might not be considered stylish, but if you want to wear sandals most of the time, you’ll avoid heel pain if you choose sturdier, perhaps less fashionable styles.
It is estimated that 15 percent of all adult foot complaints involve plantar fasciitis, the type of heel pain caused by chronic inflammation of the connective tissue extending from the heel bone to the toes. Tight calf muscles and wearing inappropriate footwear are common contributing factors.

The pain is most noticeable after getting out of bed in the morning, and it tends to decrease after a few minutes and returns during the day as time on the feet increases. Not all heel pain, however, is caused by plantar fasciitis. It also can occur from inflammation of the Achilles tendon, bursitis, arthritis, gout, stress fractures, or irritation of one or more of the nerves in the region. Therefore, diagnosis by a foot and ankle specialist to rule out other causes is advised.
Initial treatment options for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis should include anti-inflammatory medications, padding and strapping of the foot and physical therapy. Patients also should stretch their calf muscles regularly, avoid wearing flat shoes and walking barefoot, use over-the-counter arch supports and heel cushions, and limit the frequency of extended physical activities.

Most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to non-surgical treatment within six weeks. However, surgery is sometimes necessary to relieve severe, persistent pain. To find out what is happening with your child feet don’t wait to see your foot specialist at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates today.