Achilles Tendon: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

Achilles Tendon Injury & Tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Learn about Achilles tendon structure, common injuries, tendonitis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, exercises, treatment, and prevention tips. Includes home care and medical options for recovery.

Achilles Tendon: Structure, Function & Injury Overview

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). This tendon allows you to:

• Walk
• Run
• Jump
• Climb stairs
• Stand on your toes

Because it withstands high stress with every step, the Achilles tendon is prone to overuse injuries, inflammation, and tears.

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) refers to inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse, especially in active people or athletes.

There are two main types:

Over time, long-standing inflammation may lead to tendon degeneration, known as Achilles Tendinopathy.

How Does Achilles Tendon Injury Occur?

Injuries usually develop due to:

• Overuse or repetitive strain
• Sudden increase in activity (e.g., starting running suddenly)
• Tight calf muscles
• Poor footwear
• Biomechanical problems (like flat feet or high arches)

As we age, the tendon becomes less flexible, increasing risk of micro-tears and eventually, tendon rupture.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Runners, athletes, dancers
• Men over age 30
• People with flat feet or high arches
• Individuals who wear high heels frequently
• People taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics or corticosteroids
• Those who rapidly increase workout intensity

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Problems

Tendonitis / Tendinopathy

• Pain or stiffness above the heel
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Tenderness when the tendon is pressed
• Swelling or thickening of the tendon
• Morning stiffness that improves with movement

Tendon Tear / Rupture

• Sharp, sudden pain (feels like being kicked in the back of the leg)
• Popping or snapping sound
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty walking or standing on toes
• Loss of strength in the foot

Diagnosis

A doctor may perform:

Treatment Options

1] Home Treatment (Early Stage)

• Rest and reduced activity
• Ice the area for 15–20 minutes several times daily
• Elevate the foot to reduce swelling
• Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Supportive shoes / heel lift inserts

2] Medical Treatment

• Physical therapy (strengthening + stretching)
• Orthotic supports for flat feet
• Night splints
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections (may help healing)
• Shockwave therapy (in chronic cases)

3] Surgery (If severe or after 6–12 months failed therapy)

• Removal of damaged tissue
• Repair of tendon rupture
• Gastrocnemius recession (calf muscle lengthening surgery)

Effective Rehabilitation Exercises (Under Therapist Guidance)

Calf Stretch

• Lean into a wall, one leg back, heel flat.
• Hold 10–30 seconds, repeat 10–15 times.

Eccentric Heel Drops

• Stand on a step, raise heels, lower slowly.
• Do slowly to avoid strain.

Potential Complications

• Chronic pain
• Reduced ankle strength and flexibility
• Tendon thickening or nodules
• Complete tendon rupture requiring surgery

Prevention Tips

• Warm up before exercise
• Stretch calves daily
• Increase training intensity gradually
• Avoid worn-out running shoes
• Choose footwear with heel and arch support
• Cross-train with low-impact sports like swimming or cycling

Prognosis

Most patients recover fully with early treatment and proper rehabilitation. Chronic or untreated tendonitis increases risk of rupture.

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