■ ■ ■ Description

Achilles tendinitis is characterized by inflammation and pain at the Achilles tendon (back of the ankle). This tendon, sometimes called the heel cord, is the tendon attachment of the calf muscles from the leg and knee to the heel. This structure is important in standing on your toes or in the pushing-off phase of walking, running, or jumping.

Achilles tendinitis is usually a grade 1 or 2 strain of the tendon. A grade 1 strain is a mild strain. There is a slight pull of the tendon without obvious tendon tearing. (There is microscopic tendon tearing.) There is no loss of strength, and the tendon is the correct length. A grade 2 strain is a moderate strain. There is tearing of tendon fibers within the substance of the tendon or where the tendon attaches to muscle or bone. The length of the tendon or whole muscle-tendon-bone unit is increased, and there is usually decreased strength. A grade 3 strain is a complete rupture of the tendon.

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■ ■ ■ Common Signs and Symptoms

• Pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness over the

• Achilles tendon

• Pain with ankle motion (especially pushing off or pushing down with the front of the foot) or standing on the ball of the foot or toes

• Crepitation (a crackling sound) when the tendon is moved or touched

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■ ■ ■ Causes

• Direct blow or injury to the lower leg, foot, or ankle

• Strain from sudden increase in amount or intensity of activity or overuse of the lower leg muscles and Achilles tendon

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■ ■ ■ Risk Increases With

• Sports that require sudden, explosive calf muscle contraction, such as those involving jumping and quick starts or kicking, especially basketball and racquetball

• Running sports, especially training running down hills

• Poor physical conditioning (strength and flexibility/ endurance)

• Inadequate warm-up before practice or play

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■ ■ ■ Preventive Measures

• Appropriately warm up and stretch before practice or competition.

• Allow time for adequate rest and recovery between practices and competition.

• Maintain appropriate conditioning:

  • Ankle and leg flexibility

  • Muscle strength and endurance

  • Cardiovascular fitness

• Use proper technique.

• To help prevent recurrence, taping, protective strapping, or an adhesive bandage may be recommended for several weeks after healing is complete.

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■ ■ ■ Expected Outcome

• An acute injury is usually curable within 6 weeks if treated appropriately with conservative treatment and resting of

  the affected area.

• A chronic condition may take up to 8 to 10 months to heal.

• Recovery is usually quicker if the inflammation is due to a direct blow as compared with overuse or sudden strain.

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■ ■ ■ Possible Complications

• Healing time will be prolonged if the condition is not appropriately treated or if not given adequate time to heal.

• Symptoms can reoccur if activity is resumed too soon.

• Untreated, tendinitis may result in tendon rupture requiring surgery.

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■ ■ ■ General Treatment Considerations

Initial treatment consists of medication and ice to relieve the pain, stretching and strengthening exercises, and modification of the activity that initially caused the problem. These all can be carried out at home, although referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer for further evaluation and treatment may be helpful. Occasionally a walking boot or cast may be recommended to immobilize the tendon, allowing the inflammation to settle down. For less severe cases or after immobilization, a heel lift may be prescribed to reduce stress to the tendon. This may be followed by an elastic bandage wrap of the ankle and Achilles tendon. Orthotics (arch supports) may be prescribed or recommended by your physician. Surgery to remove the inflamed tendon lining or degenerated tendon tissue is rarely necessary and has shown less than predictable results.

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■ ■ ■ Medication

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (do not take within 7 days before surgery), are used to reduce inflammation. Take these as directed by your physician.

       Contact your physician immediately if any bleeding, stomach upset, or signs of allergic reaction occur. Other minor pain                    relievers, such as acetaminophen, may also be used.

• Pain relievers may be prescribed as necessary by your physician. Do not take prescription pain medication for longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as directed and only as much as you need.

• Cortisone injections are rarely if ever indicated. Cortisone injections may weaken tendons, so it is better to give the condition more time to heal than to use them.

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■ ■ ■ Heat and Cold 

• Cold is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation for acute and chronic Achilles tendinitis. Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for inflammation and pain and immediately after any activity that aggravates your symptoms. Use ice packs or an ice massage.

• Heat may be used before performing stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or a warm soak.

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■ ■ ■ Notify Our Office If

• Symptoms get worse or do not improve in 2 weeks despite treatment.

• New, unexplained symptoms develop (drugs used in treatment may produce side effects).