The Achilles (calcaneus) tendon is the strongest compound in the human body. It connects the calcaneus and calf muscles. Withstands loads of up to 400 kilograms.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, called tendonitis, can occur for many reasons.
Requires compulsory treatment, in the absence of which the disease becomes chronic.
Why does tendonitis occur?
The causes and factors that lead to inflammation are as follows:
Types of pathology
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is presented in 3 forms:
- Peritendinitis - inflammatory process affects the tissues surrounding the tendon.
- Enthesopathy - characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the junction with the calcaneus. Often, with this form of tendenitis, a heel spur appears. The process of calcification of bone tissue may begin.
- Tendinitis - the inflammatory process develops only in the tendon. Surrounding tissues are not affected.
By the nature of the flow, they are distinguished:
- Acute tendinitis. It develops primarily after exposure to a damaging factor. It is characterized by vivid symptoms.
- Chronic tendonitis. It occurs due to the lack of treatment in the acute stage.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms will vary slightly depending on the stage of the disease.
In the acute course of the process, they are as follows:
- Severe pain syndrome. The pain is localized in the heel region, at the site of inflammation of the Achilles tendon. When trying to stand on "toes", the lower part of the lower leg hurts from behind.
- Unpleasant sensations and soreness appear when trying to touch the Achilles region.
- Swelling in the area of inflammation, redness of the skin.
- After waking up, when the patient gets out of bed, the pain is unbearable. It subsides gradually, in the process of walking, and by the evening it can completely disappear.
- There is a restriction of mobility in the ankle joint.
For a chronic process, the following symptoms are characteristic:
- Prolonged pain syndrome, can bother for 2-3 weeks, sometimes several months.
- In the area of inflammation, a seal is formed due to permanent damage to the Achilles tendon.
- The swelling of the tissues decreases, but does not completely disappear.
- When you press on the back of the heel, a characteristic squeak appears.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of the disease is straightforward. The following examination is carried out:
It is carried out in severe cases. According to MRI data, the localization of the inflammatory process and areas of calcification, degenerative changes are determined.
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process. It can be treated in conservative ways using folk remedies. Surgery is carried out for chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon, degenerative changes.
1. Conservative treatment:
- Ensuring rest of the injured limb in an elevated position.
- Cold at the site of inflammation (compresses, pieces of ice).
- Fixation of the Achilles tendon with an elastic bandage or pressure bandage. In case of severe inflammation and dysfunction of the ankle, a plaster cast is applied.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed - indomethacin, voltaren. They reduce inflammation, relieve tissue swelling and relieve pain.
- Physiotherapy. It is prescribed after the acute symptoms subside. Aimed at stretching and strengthening the tendon and muscles of the lower leg.
- The disease can be treated with physiotherapy methods.
- They are prescribed after the elimination of acute symptoms. Shown are electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory drugs, ultrasound treatment, electrical stimulation.
- Massage. Helps strengthen and develop the Achilles tendon. The massage improves blood circulation in the area of inflammation, the muscles of the lower leg.
- You can treat it with folk remedies. It must be remembered that alternative treatment cannot act as the main method. The use of folk remedies should be combined with traditional methods. Turmeric, walnut shells, mumiyo are widely used. Derivatives of these substances are used for compresses, dressings. You can do salt or pine foot baths.
2. Surgical treatment.
It is prescribed when conservative methods are ineffective for six months. Excision of the altered tendon area is performed, followed by plasty. The removed areas are replaced with the sole muscle tendon. Recovery period lasts about a month. During this period, the wearing of a plaster boot is shown. Then rehabilitation is carried out, including exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy. 
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is an unpleasant disease that disrupts the patient's quality of life. It is necessary to treat the disease in the early stages of development. If symptoms of tendon inflammation appear, you should see a doctor right away. This will help avoid the development of chronic tendonitis and adverse effects.
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Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is a fairly common disease that most often occurs in athletes after serious physical exertion. Despite this, even people who do not play sports may develop this disease. Let us consider in more detail the causes of inflammation of the Achilles tendon and how to eliminate such an ailment.
Symptoms and signs of Achilles tendon inflammation
Usually, inflammation of the Achilles tendon is accompanied by the following symptoms:
1. The appearance of acute cutting pain, which is localized in the heel and radiates to the area under the calves. The nature of the pain is burning, growing, pulling. At the same time, the pain syndrome is sometimes so high that a person is completely unable to completely step on his foot.
2. An increase in body temperature is possible with an advanced course of inflammation.
3. Redness of the skin in the area of the inflamed tendon.
4. The appearance of the characteristic crunching of the bones in the ankle, which is manifested when moving the foot.
5. Development of severe soft tissue edema in the Achilles tendon.
6. Feeling of pulsation in the leg.
7. Discomfort when stepping on the foot.
Achilles tendon inflammation: causes
Typically, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed for the following reasons:
1. Congenital pathologies of the development of this tendon even in childhood lead to the fact that the child constantly walks on only one fingers. At the same time, even in comfortable flat-soled shoes, the baby will not be able to fully step on the foot. With age, this problem usually does not disappear anywhere, since the tendon is greatly shortened. This leads to chronic inflammation and even lameness.
2. Clubfoot or flat feet are also congenital defects in the development of the foot, due to which it is difficult for a person to walk. At the same time, he may not only inflame the tendon, but also have constant swelling of the feet, pain when walking and rapid fatigue of the legs.
3. The constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes, which are too small or chafe, is extremely negatively reflected on the general condition of the foot and can easily cause inflammation of the tendon.
An even greater danger is the wearing of high-heeled shoes. This is explained by the fact that when wearing shoes with heels, the Achilles tendon gradually shortens, since it simply no longer needs to stretch to walk on a regular flat sole. Over time, the problem is so protracted that when a woman decides to play sports and puts on sneakers, it is simply uncomfortable for her to walk. This leads to inflammation.
4. Excessive physical exertion on the foot leads to its overstrain and the development of inflammation in the tendon. This is usually seen in athletes during periods of intense training.
5. Violation of metabolism in the body.
6. Increased blood cholesterol.
7. Previous foot injury.
Treatments for Achilles Tendon Inflammation
Before starting treatment, the disease should be diagnosed. For this, the patient should conduct the following studies and procedures:
1. General analysis blood and urine.
4. Examination and palpation of the foot by a traumatologist and surgeon.
After the diagnosis is established, the person is prescribed treatment depending on the neglect of the disease and the observed symptoms.
Drug therapy involves the appointment of such groups of drugs:
1. Painkillers (analgesics) are used for severe pain.
2. Antispasmodics can be used for acute attacks of pain.
3. Antipyretic drugs are prescribed at high temperatures.
4. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
5. Preparations to improve blood circulation.
6. Vitamin complexes.
Physiotherapy treatment is prescribed after drug therapy. It provides for the following procedures:
1. Massage. It should be done by a specialist. The duration of the course of massage treatment should include at least ten sessions.
2. Treatment with mud.
4. The use of paraffin wax applications.
Traditional treatment for Achilles tendon inflammation has the following features:
2. If it is impossible to step on the foot for better immobilization, it is recommended to wrap the foot tightly with an elastic bandage. Alternatively, a plaster cast can be applied instead.
3. At the time of treatment, it is important to completely exclude any physical activity on the sore leg.
4. Applying cold compresses to the sore leg.
5. Wearing special fixing shoes.
Surgical treatment is prescribed to patients in the absence of the expected effect of drug treatment. It is usually performed when the tendon is severely damaged and torn.
The operation itself consists in stitching the ends of the torn or damaged tendon with synthetic threads. In this case, the operation is usually done with a closed method (without an open surgical incision).
The recovery time from this treatment is usually one to three months. During this period, a person should adhere to the following recommendations:
1. Avoid any physical activity on the legs.
2. Treat the area from the operation with antiseptic solutions so that the wounds heal faster. You can also apply sterile dressings and healing ointments. In this case, all the means that are used should be discussed with the attending physician, especially with regard to oral administration of pain medications.
3. For a month after the operation, it is necessary to constantly wear a fixation bandage made of plaster.
4. To improve blood circulation, the foot should be raised frequently above the level of the pelvis. To do this, it will be enough just to put a high pillow under the sore leg.
5. If you experience severe pain or suppuration, it is important to immediately inform your doctor.
Achilles tendon inflammation: treatment and prevention
To prevent the development of inflammation of the Achilles tendon, you should adhere to the following medical recommendations:
1. Temporarily stop exercising if it causes leg pain. Usually 1-2 weeks are enough for the muscles to "rest" and return to shape for the resumption of sports activities. If during this time the pain does not go away, then the break should be extended. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to train with visible pain.
2. If swelling of the legs occurs, they must be rewound with an elastic bandage to restore blood circulation. Cold compresses with ice will also help, which are allowed to be pinned for no more than twenty minutes.
3. To relieve leg fatigue, massage should be done. You can also use massage oils for this.
4. Orthopedic insoles should be used to relieve stress on the feet. In addition, there are now special heel pads that will reduce tendon tension and help get rid of existing inflammation.
5. Shoes with high heels can be worn, but only on special occasions and then not for the whole day.
6. Every time before a strong physical activity on the legs, it is recommended to do a special warm-up for the feet.
7. You should choose shoes with a solid heel, which will fix the foot well.
8. At the first suspicion of tendon inflammation, it is important to immediately consult a doctor and not prolong your condition, otherwise, otherwise, dangerous complications cannot be avoided.
In the absence of timely treatment for inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a person may develop the following complications:
1. Chronic pain in the leg, due to which he simply will not be able to step on the foot. This will lead to lameness.
2. Tendency to tendon rupture. At the same time, the rupture of the tendon itself will bring much more pain and significantly prolong the course of treatment.
3. Development of tendinitis or tendinosis - a condition in which the structure of the tendon is deformed. This leads to its fragility and tendency to rupture.
4. Chronic swelling of the lower legs, which will not only lead to impaired blood circulation, but also significantly complicate the process of wearing shoes (due to edema of the foot, it will simply not be possible to wear narrow shoes).
5. Fever and weakness appear as a result of constant inflammation and stress in the body.
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The Achilles tendon has the second name of the heel tendon, is the strongest tendon in the human body, as it can withstand a load of up to 400 kg without being subject to rupture. However, despite this fact, it is the most commonly injured tendon.
Achilles tendon inflammation (how it occurs, what causes it)
In most cases, the cause Achilles tendon inflammation wearing uncomfortable shoes for extended periods of time. Most often, the inflammatory process occurs in athletes and dancers, whose feet have a heavy load.
Another cause of inflammation can be impaired metabolism. As a result of the fact that the blood is a large number of fat and cholesterol, as well as in the presence of gout, an acute inflammatory process may develop due to the fact that urate microcrystals begin to be deposited in the tissues of the body.
In addition, pain in the tendon area can occur with diseases of the bones or joints, in the presence of a heel spur or an inflammatory process in the arch of the foot.
Among the factors that can lead to inflammation are:
- Microtrauma.
- Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Malformed tendon.
- Age-related changes.
- Flat feet, which is characterized by the presence of hyperpronation.
- Inconvenient shoes.
Symptoms of the inflammatory process localized in the Achilles tendon
The main symptom of inflammation in the Achilles tendon is pain in the heel or under the calves. In most cases, pain occurs after a long rest, that is, after sleep, when a person gets up and starts walking. This is due to the fact that during sleep, the tendon relaxes and the pain subsides, but when a load appears, the pain manifests itself and does not allow a normal step and step. In addition, there may be other symptoms:
- In the area of the tendon, thickening and redness of the skin can be found.
- Local hyperthermia.
- Slight swelling.
- Crunchy sound.
The emergence bone pain, in the Achilles region tendon, may indicate the development of not only Achilles tendinitis, but also other diseases, such as bursitis or arthrosis of the foot.
How does the accumulation of fluid in the Achilles tendon manifest?
Fluid in the Achilles tendon may manifest with the following symptoms:
- Pain in the tendon area.
- Redness.
- Swelling around the heel.
- Movement in the ankle and ankle is significantly difficult.
How to treat Achilles tendon inflammation
How is Achilles tendon treated? If an inflammatory process is detected, first of all, it is necessary to perform:
- Eliminate stress on the tendon.
- Apply cold compresses throughout the day for 10 minutes.
- Limit movement in the tendon. To do this, you can use an elastic bandage and wear low-heeled shoes.
what drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation in the treatment of the Achilles heel
First of all, the doctor, after examining the patient, prescribes an X-ray, on which you can see if there is really an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. In case of inflammation, the doctor may prescribe:
- Pain medications.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Medicines can be given as pills or injections that are injected directly near the tendon.
traditional methods of treatment
How to treat inflammation of the Achilles heel joint via traditional medicine? It is possible to try to cure inflammation of the Achilles tendon with the help of traditional medicine. However, before using any methods, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as self-medication harms the body. Among the methods folk treatment can be distinguished:
- Curcumin seasoning is a natural antibiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. It needs to be eaten about 0.5 g per day.
- Tincture of walnut partitions on vodka. To prepare it, you need to take 0.5 liters of vodka and 1 glass of walnut partitions. Mix and infuse for 20 days. After that, this remedy can be taken 2 times a day for 1 tsp.
- Oil solution of mountain resin mummy. This tool can be rubbed into the tendon area, and also taken orally by 0.1-0.5 g of resin, which is dissolved in warm milk. This can be done for 2 weeks, after which a 10-day break is required.
- Coniferous salt foot baths.
- Ice massage. To do this, you need to massage the tendon area with pieces of ice.
what physiotherapy methods can be used to treat inflammation of the Achilles tendon
In combination with drug treatment, the inflammatory process can be treated with physiotherapy, which includes the following methods:
- Magnetotherapy.
- Laser therapy.
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Shock wave therapy.
- Electrophoresis with lidase.
- Mud applications.
Prevention of the development of the disease
In order to prevent inflammation of the tendon, it is necessary to do the prevention of the disease:
- Warm up the tendon before doing heavy exercise.
- It is necessary to periodically pump the calf muscles and increase the load over time.
- It is necessary to do a jump, which will allow ensuring the elasticity of not only the Achilles tendon, but also other tendons of the legs.
- Calf stretching must be performed after exertion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to say that, despite the fact that the Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon, it most often lends itself to stress and can be injured. Therefore, before doing any exercises, you need to do a little warm-up and prevention.
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Achilles pains often plague people, especially runners, basketball players, dancers, and other athletes. About 11% of the total number of diseases in athletes who jump a lot or start and stop abruptly are in the Achilles tendon. Today we will tell you about the causes and treatment of pain and eruptions in the Achilles tendon.
If you have Achilles tendon pain, the causes can be varied. Firstly, pain in the Achilles area can appear with age, as its ability to stretch decreases, which causes micro-tears. Especially often the Achilles tendon hurts when running in people over 35 years old, if they have not previously warmed up and performed several stretching exercises.
Achilles tendon pain when walking is common in people with flat feet, in those who wear the wrong athletic shoes, or in women who wear high-heeled shoes all day and then wear flat-soled shoes.
Other causes of Achilles tendon pain include tendinitis, tenosynovitis, tendinosis, and various diseases and injuries of the legs.
How to treat Achilles tendon pain
If your Achilles tendon hurts, then you need to give your legs a rest and completely eliminate the load. Try not to exercise or carry weights for several days. And to relieve pain, use a cold compress: apply it to the sore leg 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes.If you feel that your Achilles tendon hurts after running, you can restrict leg movements with an elastic bandage. Also pay attention to your shoes: they must be of high quality and designed specifically for sports, running, and so on. For women with Achilles pain, it is recommended to relieve the tendon, stop wearing high-heeled shoes.
In the event that the pain in Achilles takes on a regular nature, and the above recommendations do not give the desired result, you should consult a doctor. He will conduct a detailed diagnosis and prescribe medical treatment. This may be physical therapy, in some cases, surgery or other treatments for Achilles rupture may be needed.
How to treat an Achilles bruise
Severe pain, swelling and hematoma formation are the main signs of an Achilles tendon injury. Don't ignore these symptoms and attribute them to fatigue and fatigue. Neglecting treatment for an Achilles bruise can cause complications, a decrease in the strength and elasticity of muscle fibers.Treating an Achilles tendon injury should start with a complete rejection of physical activity, you should not only reduce the intensity of your training, but ensure complete rest of the tendon.
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How to relieve achilles tendon pain
Achilles pain can be relieved at home using various ointments and gels. In modern medicine, there are a large number of painkillers, warming and accelerating the healing of tendons of ointments.Troxevasin ointment is popular and effective. It improves blood circulation, helps to reduce capillary fragility, improves the tone of blood vessels, and also prevents the formation of puffiness and blood clots.
Voltaren ointment is also good for relieving Achilles pain. It is often prescribed to treat inflammation and swelling after injury. However, pay attention to contraindications, if you have a hypersensitivity to diclofenac, then it is best to choose another ointment.
Dolobene-gel is a drug that helps tissues to recover faster and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Reparil-gel and Solcoseryl have the same effect.
Apply ointment to the affected Achilles 2 times a day. It is ideal to combine ointments and gels for Achilles with ultrasound. In any pharmacy you can buy a small ultrasound machine: Reton, Auton, and so on.
A source -
As you know, muscles in the human body are designed for protection and the ability to move. Since the legs have a heavy load, they are damaged more often than other parts of the body. Consider a common injury to the ligamentous apparatus in the area of the ankle, where the Achilles tendon is located. Inflammation in the Achilles tendon is common in athletes over the age of 40. Pathology is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and the inability to move the ankle normally. Pain in the Achilles tendon prevents a person from walking or running normally, which causes discomfort and limited mobility.
Injury or inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be obtained both during sports or physical labor, and under the influence of diseases occurring in the body and weakening the ligamentous apparatus. Treatment and rehabilitation are always long-term and require patience from a person and the need to follow all the doctor's recommendations. Only then will normal leg mobility return.
Tendon structure
To understand why an inflammatory process occurs in the Achilles tendon, we will analyze its structural and physiological features. Nature has endowed him with strength among all the tendons located in the body. This is necessary in order to withstand the load of the entire body weight and take part in movement, protecting bones and joints from injury and displacement.
From above, the tendon is located at the junction of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the leg, and from below it is attached to the back surface of the calcaneal tuberosity. The job of the Achilles tendon is to take part in the heel lift, the ability to push off with the toes, and the lowering of the forefoot after the heel touches the ground.
The greatest load on the tendon occurs at the time of climbing up or descending from a hill. Under such circumstances, the tendon is in constant tension and if the muscles are not trained, then the legs quickly get tired. The load on the ankle and calf muscles increases when wearing uncomfortable shoes, when the shoe has a hard sole, but a soft heel. The combination of uncomfortable shoes and heavy stress on the muscles increases the risk of injury.
Inflammation most often occurs when the connective tissue of the tendon is damaged, which causes soreness with any movement of the foot. A person cannot walk, run, jump normally.
Causes of pathology
The causes of inflammation in the Achilles tendon are associated with exogenous and endogenous factors.
It should be noted that pathology is more common in two categories of the population:
- People over the age of 40. In their body, there are malfunctions associated with impaired metabolism, which is why the connective tissue of the tendon suffers - it does not have enough fluid and a drying process occurs. Also, salts accumulate in joints and muscles, which makes collagen fibers less elastic and stretchable. Such people are more susceptible to fiber injury, including micro-breaks.
- Athletes. Despite the fact that they have trained and strengthened muscles, they experience more stress than an ordinary person. Often, athletes strive for maximum loads, get injured while playing sports. Naturally, this does not go in vain, and over time, the Achilles tendon cannot fully recover.
Consider the causes of inflammation of the Achilles tendon, or tendinitis, as it is called medically, of an endogenous nature, that is, those factors that are associated with pathological processes in the body. So that the tendon does not get damaged and inflammation does not occur, it is necessary that in a healthy state there are collagen fibers that give strength, and elastin fibers, which are necessary for the extensibility of the ligaments. The natural stretch of the tendon allows you to land painlessly on your feet when jumping, running or walking.
The age comes when the Achilles tendon has a load that it cannot withstand, and this condition is associated with damage and micro-tears in the fibers. The reasons for this are in the accumulation of urates, uric acid or an increased concentration of cholesterol in tissues. Cholesterol levels increase with obesity, metabolic disorders, and eating fatty foods. Pain and inflammation can be caused by gout or other conditions associated with the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the tissues.
Among internal reasons the presence of flat feet or clubfoot can be noted. With age, the increased stress on the Achilles tendon leads to tendonitis. As well as aging of the body, injuries sustained during life affect the structure of the tendon.
Consider external causes. Injury is a major contributor to inflammation. When injured, a sprain or tendon rupture may occur, which will affect the ability to move normally. Shoes also affect the strength and integrity of the tendon apparatus. It should be comfortable, not cause quick fatigue or discomfort.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tendonitis do not differ much from inflammation of other tendons, but due to the anatomical features of the location of the Achilles tendon, the mobility of the leg is limited. The degree of manifestation of pain depends on the extent of tissue damage and the neglect of the process.
Of the symptoms, soreness in the heel and surrounded by the calf muscles of the leg predominates. The inflammation causes acute pain, the person has a feeling that something is burning in the leg. If you do not start treatment immediately, then the pain occurs immediately upon awakening from sleep and increases with the movement of the leg. A person cannot fully lean on his leg, which is manifested by lameness.
A characteristic symptom of tendinitis is the onset of swelling in the part where inflammation has developed. On palpation, there is a swelling and thickening of the tendon. Outwardly, skin hyperemia in the calf area is clearly visible. Inflammation can cause localized temperature rise skin and crepitus during leg movements.
Difficult to judge the degree pain, since everything depends on such factors:
- individual characteristics of the body, that is, the pain threshold of sensitivity;
- the degree of damage, which depends on the type of damage (rupture, stretching, inflammation due to internal factors);
- the vastness of the process and the localization of inflammation.
It is worth noting that the sooner you start treating tendonitis, the faster the rehabilitation will be. Often, serious injuries to the Achilles tendon require surgical intervention, so it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor if pain persists due to the injury. After the operation, a person will temporarily lose the ability to work, since he will not be able to step on his foot, therefore, he needs to be prepared mentally for this.
If the inflammation is not treated and the disease is transferred to the legs, then chronic tendonitis with periods of exacerbation and remission can develop. The chronic form can force a person to abandon their favorite sports, which will be reflected psychologically.
Treatment
Since stretching or rupture of the Achilles tendon is accompanied by severe pain, the doctor should exclude fractures and dislocations in the foot, ankle and other bones when diagnosing. For this, an x-ray is prescribed. If no bone damage is detected, then the ligament apparatus is examined. The doctor chooses between ultrasound examination and MRI. Examination, palpation and collection of complaints are also carried out.
When the diagnosis is made, the doctor chooses the treatment algorithm. Doctors try to prescribe conservative treatment, using medications for pain relief, fixing the legs and using ointments.
When the question is where to treat a disease, the answer is simple. If there are no fractures or ruptures and the patient has the ability to walk, then the treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis - at home. If surgery is required, the patient is left in the hospital, since rehabilitation after surgery should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor who will select exercises and prescribe the necessary procedures.
From medicines, drugs of the NSAID group are prescribed. Pain and inflammation relieve Nimesulide, Ibuprofen. When there is a threat of infection, for example, with an open wound, antibiotics and regular dressings with wound dressing are prescribed.
You can immobilize the ankle with an orthosis, and an elastic bandage is also allowed. In case of breaks and injuries of the bone, a plaster cast is applied, and in case of an open fracture, an operation is needed. The goal after surgery is to restore mobility to the leg, to develop muscles.
Physiotherapy can speed up recovery and healing of ligaments. Prescribed ultrasound with medicinal ointments, with Voltaren, Solcoseryl, Dolobene-gel. At severe pain you can use compresses with Analgin, Novocaine or Dexamethasone.
For complex injuries, treatment is carried out using an operation ... During surgery, the tendon is sutured, deformity or compression is removed. After the operation, a special orthosis is worn to restrict the movement of the leg. Rehabilitation includes physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy and can last up to 2-3 months.
People leading an active lifestyle, going in for sports, need to keep in mind that pain in the Achilles tendon can be a rather unpleasant moment, the causes of which are: rupture, injury, other damage. The Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone may well be quite vulnerable during active running, walking, jumping, since the loads on it lead to overstrain and, as a result, rupture or separation. Typically, tendon tissue is injured in the presence of previous damage or due to tension over a long period of time. Pain in the Achilles tendon most often pursues sports people, since it is caused by severe overstrain of the legs. Most often, the disease occurs in men 30-50 years old.
Despite the fact that the Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon in the human body, its damage is by no means uncommon. Thanks to him, during movement, a person's toes are raised, which allows him to fully push off the ground. The Achilles tendon is capable of withstanding loads of force 4 times greater than the weight of a human body when walking and almost 8 times when running. Its length is about 15 cm, for the first time it was mentioned at the end of the 17th century, when the tendon got its name from the name of the mythical character. Achilles tendon pain can be a symptom of certain diseases and the reasons may be as follows:
A) Inflammation of the tendon, in medicine is called tendonitis.
B) Microscopic tissue damage, the smallest tears - tendinosis. They are most often the result of severe overvoltage. Some people often use these two medical terms interchangeably, but it is generally accepted among specialists that Achilles tendonitis is painless, but tendinosis is characterized by the main symptom - pain.
V) Partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon. If a partial rupture may not cause particularly painful symptoms, then a complete rupture brings a loss of mobility of the lower leg and foot, as well as severe pain.
Many people, especially those who have faced similar problems, mistakenly believe that troubles with the Achilles tendon occur suddenly, suddenly. However, in reality this is not entirely true, since all problems are the result of previous, subtle numerous damages occurring over a fairly long period of time.
So, pain in the Achilles tendon occurs most often due to overstrain, and its main reasons are constant repetitive movements, for example, during training, exercise, work, etc. Suffice it to mention, for example, fast running, jumping, and sudden stops during sports. A fairly common cause of damage to the Achilles tendon among athletes is a sudden change in the frequency, intensity, or duration of training. That is why it is so important to warm up properly before training, wear comfortable, high-quality sports shoes, and be in good physical shape. This is especially true for middle-aged people for whom this problem is most typical.
The main symptoms of damage to the Achilles tendon are swelling and pain in the lower leg - the lower leg. In some cases, pain can occur only when running or walking, and at rest it is practically not felt. In cases where an Achilles tendon rupture occurs, the pain can be so severe that it is almost impossible to step on a leg with a damaged tendon. Treatment for injuries to the Achilles tendon usually consists of reduced movement and stretching exercises (if the tendon problems are minor). Pain relievers can be used to reduce pain. medicines available without a prescription in pharmacies. If the damage is more serious, such as a tendon rupture, treatment may even involve surgery and some fixation devices. It sometimes takes a significant amount of time to heal the damage to the Achilles tendon and fully restore its function, even with minor injuries. Surgical treatment is applied to patients in cases of complete rupture of the tendon, while its ends are sutured with synthetic threads. If the injury is recent, surgery can be done without incisions, with the ends of the tendon sutured right through the skin.
As a preventive measure and to protect against damage to the Achilles tendon, you should warm up normally and sufficiently (within 5-10 minutes) before each workout. It is very important to keep yourself in good physical shape. For the selection of the optimal sports shoes, you should first consult with a trainer. The most dangerous sports for this tendon are running, football, basketball, tennis, etc. The likelihood of rupture of the Achilles tendon increases many times if it is weakened for a long time by inflammation or overload.
During sports, as well as when performing hard physical work, the triceps muscles of the lower legs contract excessively, which leads to stretching and rupture of the Achilles tendon. A fairly common cause of this injury is an unsuccessful jump, when landing on the toes, at a time when inertia moves the weight of the body, and thereby damages the tendons. If microscopic trauma to the Achilles tendon tissue occurs regularly, inflammatory and degenerative changes in the tendon are possible. A similar disease is called achillotenditis and often it causes a decrease in working capacity, quality of human life, due to chronic pain.
Man is the only animal of the Mammals class that has the ability to walk while maintaining the vertical axis of the body. This feature has been shaped by modifications and genetic changes over a long period of human evolution. As a result, the lower limb and vertebral column formed to provide walking, standing, running, sitting and other movements, keeping the body upright. To a greater extent, the axial load is taken on by the lower spine, but it is not worth discounting the important role of the structure and function of the lower limb.
A significant role in the formation of a person's posture is played by the correct shape of the foot and the strength of the muscles of the lower leg. These two anatomical formations have a close relationship. In case of violation of the shape of the foot (flat feet), the load on the knee joint changes, which causes its diseases. With a deforming violation knee joint the function of the spine also suffers.
To ensure the health of the entire musculoskeletal and ligamentous apparatus of the human body, it is necessary, first of all, to take care of your foot. The dominant role in the development of anatomically and physiologically correct foot is played by the Achilles ligament.
Pain in the Achilles tendon brings a person not only inconvenience in moving, but also gradually leads to the formation of diseases that affect the entire human skeleton.
Symptoms of Achilles Ligament Disease
The Achilles ligament is located in the heel area. This is the strongest tendon in the human body, which secures the calf muscle to the heel bone, and makes it possible for the ankle to move, and, therefore, maintain an upright standing, walking and running.
Achilles can get sick in a wide variety of situations. But the method of treating this organ is rather monotonous and has general tendencies and principles. It is worth noting that every doctor who is faced with inflammation and pain in the Achilles tendon prescribes the necessary treatment, which is aimed at the speedy restoration of the function and condition of the Achilles. The patient's task is to fulfill all the conditions and appointments of the doctor, which will ensure the desired result.
When contacting a specialist, which is a traumatologist, orthopedic traumatologist or orthopedic surgeon, first of all, the appearance of the lower leg is assessed and the patient's complaints are heard. It is important to note that often the patient himself tells how he was injured, which is important for making a preliminary diagnosis.
Complaints of a patient with an Achilles tendon injury:
- Pain symptom (pain when walking, moving the foot, leaning on the leg, walking in heels).
- Squeak when moving the foot.
- Crunching or crackling on the back of the lower leg when extending the leg (Achilles can crunch when walking).
- Thickening of the tendon and decreased mobility of the foot.
- Ligament area lump formation.
- Stiffness in walking in the morning due to discomfort in the foot.
Of course, the main complaint that makes a person see a doctor is pain. It is she who is the first sign of damage to the ligament and the reason to treat it. Depending on the nature of the pain, the cause of the condition can be assumed. For example, with pain accompanied by crunching or cracking of the tendon, which appears when walking in heels, it is necessary to talk about the weakness of the gastrocnemius muscle and not pronounced tuberosity of the calcaneus, in the place where the Achilles is attached.
This unevenness develops during the constant load that the bony surface receives when walking. This condition can be treated by stretching the back of the lower leg and gradually increasing the load on the gastrocnemius muscle.
Causes of Achilles Tendon Pain
In order to understand why the Achilles tendon hurts and to find reliable reasons for this condition, you need to do a number of functional tests that will show the site of inflammation. Clarifying the mechanism of injury in the patient, it is possible to determine the degree of damage and suggest treatment tactics. The final treatment option in traumatology is possible only after X-ray examination, tomography of the place that hurts or ultrasound.
The most common causes of inflammation in Achilles are:
- Stretching.
- Partial and complete rupture of the integrity of the tendon.
- Tendon contusion (lump, bruise, edema).
- Mechanical injury to the tendon (cut, puncture, tear with a foreign object).
- Tendon infection due to injury (after a cut).
- Dislocation of the ankle joint.
Achilles hurts on the leg most often with injuries that are household or sports.
Orthopedist Anatoly Shcherbin:
"It is known that for the treatment of bones on the feet there are special insoles, correctors and operations that are prescribed by doctors. But we will not talk about them, and those medications and ointments that are useless to use at home. Everything is much simpler ..."
Household injuries occur as a result of the prohibitive load on an organ that is not prepared for this. And domestic injuries occur when labor safety rules are not followed, falls, wearing inappropriate shoes.
Diagnosing Achilles Tendon Pain
First of all, before treating the injury, it is necessary to diagnose the nature of the ligament damage. For this, instrumental research methods are used.
Data of common instrumental diagnostic methods for pain in Achilles
| The nature of the injury | Ultrasound | X-ray |
| Ligament contusion | There are no signs of compromised tendon integrity. There is no accumulation of fluid in the area of the ligament and muscle. There are no intramuscular hematomas. There is diffuse tissue edema. Signs of inflammation and dysfunction. |
There are no signs of violation of the integrity of bones and joints. |
| Ankle dislocation | There are no hemorrhages and signs of a violation of the integrity of the bone structure. There is a violation of the ratio of articular surfaces that are not in anatomical position. | The articular surfaces of the joint are not in the correct anatomical position. Bone structures are not damaged. |
| Achilles tendon rupture | Signs of a partial or complete violation of the integrity of the tendon. With a complete rupture, there is a violation of the anatomical position of the gastrocnemius muscle, there are internal hematomas and free fluid | Signs of violation of the integrity of bone structures with or without violation of the anatomical location of the articular surfaces. There is always a violation of the location of the muscles of the lower leg. |
Diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries is based not only on the data of instrumental research.
An important role is also played by the questioning and examination of the patient. Instrumental diagnostics carried out in order to confirm the preliminary diagnosis.
Medication for Achilles Tendon Pain
Algorithm of action in case of damage to Achilles in any situation:
- Apply cold.
- Call an ambulance medical assistance if by outward appearance it is clear that consultation will be needed.
- Immobilize the limb and ensure its rest (take a position in which the leg hurts least of all).
- Take an anesthetic (ketorolac 1-2 tablets or diclofenac i.m. the child is prescribed ibuprofen).
- If there is an open wound, treat it with alcohol, apply a clean bandage.
Timely and correctly provided assistance can play a major role in predicting the recovery of the victim. It is better to do nothing than to do something wrong and harm the person even more.
Do independent reduction of fractures at home, smear a limb with various medications, apply folk methods medicine, as well as using a variety of techniques to correct the shape and integrity of the limb is strictly prohibited.
Treatment of the Achilles tendon depends on the degree of pain and the severity of the inflammatory process.
| Acute trauma of Achilles without visible pronounced injuries while maintaining the integrity of the skin | Rest, the first three days, periodic application of cold. Topically: lotion of drugs: hydrocortisone, analgin, Dimexide. Mix the medicines ½ with water. Apply for the first three days. Anti-inflammatory ointment without warming effect. V / m: baralgetas 5 ml for 3 days. After 72 hours after injury, you can use a warm dry compress. |
| Acute trauma with damage to the integrity of the skin and partial violation of the integrity of the skin. | Complete immobilization of the limb. By mouth: Ibuprofen V / m: Baralgetas 5 ml for 3 days. The place (on intact skin) is the same. Smear the damaged skin with greenery for drying. Antifungal agent can be applied to wounds to prevent secondary infection. Local administration of anti-inflammatory drugs: Diclofenac 1 ml, Hydrocortisone 1 ml. |
| With a violation of the integrity of the bone and ligament. | Operation. Plaster application (removal of plaster is possible only after complete restoration of tendon function). Inside antibiotics (ceftriaxone). Vaccination against botulism (according to indications). Inside and in / m is the same. |
| With chronic injury (one year old and more). | Once a month, do a course of local treatment (5-6 times every other day). Physiotherapy course once a year, dignity-kur treatment. Gymnastics daily. |
For diffuse, non-intense pain, the Achilles tendon can be treated at home. Although, to be sure, it is better to consult a specialist.