What are Achilles tendon injuries? The Achilles tendon is an elastic band that connects muscle to bone. It is located at the back of the foot.
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is usually short-lived, but if left untreated, it progresses to more severe tendon damage involving tearing of the fibres. Tendinosis is the pain or stiffening of the tendon due to the increased loads on the tendon and overworking.
Causes of Achilles tendon damage
Achilles tendon strains, tendinitis or tendinosis are caused by a sudden increase in repetitive repetitive movements of the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much sudden stress on the tendon, resulting in tears in the fibre bundle. Due to the increased loads and constant traumatisation of the tendon, the body is unable to repair the damaged tissue. This altered tendon structure leads to pain and discomfort.
Athletes are at a higher risk of Achilles tendon damage. People whose work puts the most strain on their ankles also suffer from Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis. People with a pronated foot are also prone to Achilles tendon injuries, especially those occurring during simple walking.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis include pain at the tendon site and general tenderness and tenderness. These symptoms can occur anywhere along the length of the tendon, from the tendon attachment at the heel all the way down to the calf muscle. The pain usually occurs in the morning or at rest. There is tenderness when the tendon is pressed and occasionally a sharp pain. As the tendon damage progresses and degeneration of the tissue begins, the tendon may become enlarged and small formations - nodules - may appear at the site of the damage.
Treatment of Achilles tendon lesions
Conservative treatment
The methods of treatment for Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis are chosen depending on how much time has elapsed since the onset of the injury and the extent of the damage. In the early stages of the lesion, when acute inflammation is still present, immobilisation is recommended to reduce the loads on the Achilles tendon and promote healing. Ice is applied to reduce swelling and inflammation. Insoles and splints have a significant influence on the healing of the Achilles tendon. Insoles prevent pronation or supination of the foot, distribute the load on the foot correctly, and reduce stretching and trauma to the Achilles tendon. The elastic splint also reduces the loads on the tendon, activates the blood flow to the damaged area and allows the tendon to regenerate. Physiotherapy helps to strengthen the muscles and increase the elasticity of the tendon, while physiotherapy promotes the regeneration of the injured tendon tissue. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your doctor are also used to reduce inflammation.
Surgical treatment
If conservative treatment methods do not help or if the damage is very severe, surgical treatment is used to repair the Achilles tendon. After surgery, rehabilitation is essential to ensure that the tendon heals and the function of the foot is restored.
Prevention
Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential to prevent Achilles tendon injuries and maintain the elasticity of the tendon. It is also important to wear appropriate footwear that prevents the foot from pointing inwards, thus reducing the likelihood of re-injury.
