Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendon problems can develop from continued impact or strain on the tendon.
Most are linked to sports with lots of running and jumping, such as soccer, basketball and badminton, but they are increasing among office workers and professionals, because long hours of sitting reduce blood flow and nutrition to the tendon, weakening it and causing degeneration.
Common causes
01
Rupture from poor circulation with age
02
The ankle suddenly bending upward
03
Strong external impact
04
Exercising without warming up
Signs to watch for
- Pain in the Achilles tendon at the heel after intense exercise or movement
- Ankle swelling that limits movement
- Sole pain with the first steps in the morning, and frequent calf cramps
How we diagnose
X-ray
The basic first test. Further tests may be added for a definite diagnosis.
MRI
Shows soft tissue that X-ray cannot, such as muscles, ligaments, discs, cartilage, nerves and blood vessels.
How we treat it
Rest is important, and conservative treatment helps. If symptoms don't ease for several months, surgery such as removing damaged, torn or degenerated tendon may be done.
Non-surgical injection therapy
Prolotherapy injects directly into weakened ligaments or tendons to reinforce the fibrous tissue, or a hyaluronic acid injection, a main component of joint fluid, is placed into weakened cartilage.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
Used across orthopedics, physical therapy and sports medicine, shockwave therapy aids recovery without surgery or painkillers and suits many conditions that cause acute or chronic pain.
Arthroscopy
Through a minimal incision under about 5 mm, an arthroscope with a tiny camera and special instruments is inserted into the joint. It shows areas that are hard to see on X-ray, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment at the same time.
When surgery is consideredSurgery helps when degeneration is severe or when the heel bone is pressing on and damaging the tendon.