Achilles Tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatments

Achilles tendonitis occurs when the thick tendon at the back of your ankle becomes inflamed and painful. Tendons connect muscle to bone, and the Achilles tendon connects the two large calf muscles to the heel. When functioning correctly, it works with the calf muscles to push your foot down and raise your body during walking, running, and jumping.

Achilles tendonitis typically results from overuse, and while it's more frequently seen in athletes, it can also occur in sedentary individuals. This condition is also more common in middle-aged and older adults.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding Achilles tendonitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis may include:

• Pain in the heel and/or along the Achilles tendon when running and walking
• Severe pain that shows up immediately following or the next day after prolonged running or stair climbing
• Weakness of the affected area
• A lump on the tendon
• Difficulty standing on your toes
• Thickening of the tendon
• Swelling that gets worse with activity
• Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel that is worse in the morning
• The formation of bone spurs on the back of the heel
• Achilles tendon that is painful to the touch or when gently squeezed

Causes

This condition results from repetitive stress to the tendon and is generally not related to a specific injury. Excessive repetitive stress can irritate the Achilles tendon, known as an overuse injury. Some possible causes can be:

• A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise: Quickly increasing your exercise load or intensity may not give your tendon enough time to adapt, leading to inflammation.
• Getting older: The natural aging process can cause the tendon to lose its strength and elasticity, making it more susceptible to injury.
• Long-term health conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and other conditions can negatively affect the tendon's health, increasing the risk of tendonitis.
• Being overweight or obese: Excess weight places additional strain on the Achilles tendon, increasing the likelihood of inflammation.
• Having a family history of the condition: A genetic predisposition to Achilles tendonitis may make some individuals more susceptible to developing the condition.
• Wearing improper footwear: Shoes that lack support or have a poor fit can put extra stress on the Achilles tendon, contributing to tendonitis.
• Haglund's deformity: Otherwise known as 'pump bump', this enlargement of bone on the back of the heel can cause it to rub against and irritate the tendon.

Achilles Tendonitis Tests

A doctor's examination involves a physical evaluation of the thickness and tenderness of the Achilles tendon. Further diagnostic tests may include an X-ray of the foot, an ultrasound, or an MRI of the tendon. Sometimes, doctors will order blood tests to rule out inflammatory conditions.

X-rays are useful because they can show us how the bones look and fit together, while diagnostic ultrasounds and MRIs are better for revealing soft tissue damage. Doctors will use these tests to assess the severity of damage to the tendon and decide on the treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Achilles tendonitis can usually be completed with non-surgical techniques. Some possible options include:

• Avoiding or limiting aggravating activities like running
• Physical therapy with targeted strengthening and stretching exercises, along with pain-relieving modalities
• Icing the area for 20 minutes per hour to reduce pain
• Using shoe insoles to relieve pressure on the tendon during healing

Help Your Heel

Pain is not a normal part of aging, and you shouldn't have to live with it. The structures in and around your feet are susceptible to injury and pain as you age due to weakened structures responsible for absorbing loads from your body weight. One of the best ways to support your feet is to wear proper insoles in your shoes that offset some of the pressure and absorb it before it transfers to the Achilles tendon. Browse our website for the best insoles for Achilles tendonitis, alleviate your pain, and get back to the activities you love.