What You Need To Know About achilles tendon injury And Why

Achilles tendon connects the heel and the most powerful muscle in the body. Achilles tendon injury is common to runners. It accounts for 11% of the running injuries. The pain is normally seen at the back of the ankle. The main cause of Achilles tendon injury is degenerated tissue with a loss of normal fiber structure. The worst part of Achilles tendon injuries is, that the recovery is very slow, due to poor supply of blood to the area. Achilles tendon rupture is when there is a complete tear of the tendon located approximately 2 inches above the heels.

Achilles Tendon Injury Symptoms

Achilles tendon injury is very common to runners and athletes. It would not be inappropriate to say, that it is a bane of many runners. In fact, Achilles tendon does not have rich blood supply, in other words, blood supply is said to be weakest around the area. The most common symptom of Achilles tendon injury is the onset of gradual pain over a period of days. Some people may also experience pain at the start of the exercise schedule, which eventually fades away as the routine progresses. Tenderness with palpitation is also seen in some people. You may want to read more on sore Achilles tendon.

In chronic cases of Achilles tendon injury, the pain can be persistent. It can worsen, while walking up a hill or a staircase. People can also experience pain and stiffness in the morning or after considerable amount of rest. The other symptom, which is commonly seen in case of chronicAchilles tendinitis is lumps in the Achilles tendon. Swelling or thickening around the tendon area is also observed. Read more on Achilles tendon pain.

Achilles Tendon Causes

The cause of Achilles tendon is overuse, misalignment, improper footwear, accidents, etc. Many times, it is observed that multiple causes often lead to Achilles tendon. We can take an example. A sudden increase in the hill climbing slope, worn out shoes and weak or tight calf muscles could all lead to Achilles tendinitis. Running or walking for a longer period of time or running or walking very fast can also give rise to Achilles tendon injury. Most of us do not pay attention to arch support, cushioning, motion control and heel support of the footwear, we choose. This can give rise to Achilles tendon injuries. Sudden increase in activity, less recovery time between activities, weak calf muscles, over-pronation are some of the other causes of Achilles injury. Read more on Achilles tendon pain causes.

Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment

Now that we have seen the causes and symptoms of Achilles tendon injury, let's seek an answer to how to treat an Achilles injury. Rest is said to be most helpful treatment in Achilles tendon injury recovery. It is important to keep the leg at an elevation for as long as possible. This will help in keeping swelling at a minimal level. If the pain is moderate to severe, using crutches or support to walk at least for the first 72 hours of activity after the injury is recommended. Cold therapy consisting of ice compress also helps in alleviating the condition associated with Achilles tendinitis. Wearing a heel pad is also said to be beneficial in treating the condition, as it takes off some strain from the Achilles tendon. If you are into running, make sure that you have the correct shoes meant for running as well as for your foot type. Heat can be applied to the Achilles tendon area after the first 24 hours, only if the swelling in the area has subsided. Using elasticized bandage also helps in the healing of the injured tendon. In case of severe pain, you may want to take a pain killer.

You may want to take the help of your health care provider to treat the Achilles tendon injury. Many times, they prescribe Achilles tendinitis exercises or Achilles tendon stretches to stretch and strengthen the tendon. In the severe case of Achilles tendon injury, it may be necessary to keep the leg in a cast for better healing. It is important, that you do not neglect the injury, as it may cause complications later on.

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