All tendons are important, but none more so than the Achilles tendon. This tendon is located near the heel, on the back of the leg, and it helps us run, jump and walk. When the Achilles tendon becomes damaged or irritated, pain and limited mobility often ensue.
Does your Achilles tendon hurt consistently? If so, you may have Achilles tendinitis, an inflammatory condition that develops as a result of tendon overuse and other causes. If you do have Achilles tendinitis, have no fear; it is treatable. A physiotherapist can have you back on your game in no time.
What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis has a variety of causes. For many, this condition is caused simply by overusing the tendon. Others may develop this issue when they change training surfaces (for example, they go from running on pavement to running on grass). Here are a few other possible causes of this frustrating condition:
- Wearing unsupportive footwear
- Having flat feet
- Running on hills
- Not properly stretching calf muscles and/or hamstrings
- Wearing high heels too often
Ortho Info reports that a “sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise activity—for example, increasing the distance you run every day by a few miles without giving your body a chance to adjust to the new distance” can also cause this problem. This is just one reason why those who want to become more physically active should ease, not sprint, into an exercise routine.
Read more about the causes of Achilles tendinitis here.
These Signs Point to an Inflamed Achilles Tendon
While only a physiotherapist or physician can diagnose Achilles tendinitis, there are some telltale signs of the issue. If you have any of the following symptoms, you might have this condition:
— A burning pain in the Achilles tendon, which is found at the back of the leg, near the heel
— Inflammation (redness, tenderness and swelling) of the skin near the tendon area
— General pain and/or stiffness in the Achilles tendon
— A bump on the tendon that can be felt externally
According to Runner’s World, “A cracking sound (scar tissue rubbing against the tendon) when the ankle moves” can also be a symptom of this problem.
Got Achilles Tendinitis? Get Relief with Physiotherapy.
Those who have Achilles tendinitis want to quell their pain as soon as possible. The great news is many people find relief with physiotherapy. Achilles tendinitis can feel overwhelming to those suffering with it, but physiotherapists are well versed in treating this common condition. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out to a physiotherapist near you. The quicker you seek out treatment, the quicker you will get relief.