Free From Tendonitis Pain

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is termed as Achilles Tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is a large tendon connecting two major calf muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus, to the back of the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is one of many sports-related injuries that results from overexertion of any type (such as over-exercising and jumping).

Symptoms of Tendonitis:

• Pain anywhere along the back of the tendon
• Swelling of the tendon
• Limited ankle flexibility

Causes of Tendonitis:

Out of hundreds of tendons scattered throughout the human body, there are few specific tendons that have poor blood supply. These tendon areas  where blood supply is low are termed as “watershed zones”.  As these watershed zones are supplied with comparatively lesser volume of oxygen and nutrients, it makes these tendons prone to tissue damage and poor healing response. Sometimes, the tendon does not have a smooth path to glide which results in inflammation. Other well known causes of tendonitis are repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or a sudden serious injury. Incidentally, people aged between 40-60 years are known to be more susceptible to Achilles Tendonitis.

Other known causes of Tendonitis are:

• Incorrect posture at work or home
• Playing sports
• Body exertion or less recovery time between physical activities
• Change of footwear or uneven floor surface
• Poor stretching or conditioning before exercise
• An abnormal or dislocated bone or joint that stresses soft-tissue structures
• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders, or unusual medication reactions

Top 7 ways for athletes to treat Achilles injuries:

Though tendonitis can be a serious problem, you can certainly treat and prevent it from recurring. Here are the top seven ways in which athletes can treat tendonitis:

1. Focus on Rest: First and most important step to treat tendonitis is to avoid activities that can aggravate it. Avoid practice sessions for a few days. This will help in healing of the inflamed tendon. You may also try alternative activities such as swimming.

2. Apply Ice Pack: One of the best treatments of tendonitis is to apply an ice-pack on the inflamed area. The temperature will control the inflammation and swelling of the affected area. Using an ice-pack will help heal 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 can temporarily reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area.

4. Cortisone Injections: If tendonitis symptoms persist for long, some individuals opt to take cortisone injections. Injected directly into the inflamed area, cortisone injections may help  tendonitis that has not reacted at all to other treatments.

5. Wear a heel pad: By wearing heel pad, you can raise the heel and take some strain off the Achilles tendon. This is a temporary measure while the Achilles tendon is healing.

6. Running Shoes: Make sure you have right running shoes for your foot type and the sport.

7. Consult a sports professional: Take advice from someone whose profession deals with sports injury, treatment and rehabilitation.

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