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Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis

Description Of The Injury: The Achilles tendon is one of the areas of the body most susceptible to inflammation. tendinitis usually occurs due to repetitive stress placed on the tendon, that gradually makes the area inflamed and painful. This usually occurs due to some repetitive action when engaging in a sport. Fatigue of the calf muscle, or weakness of the calf muscle often directly relates to an increase in the chance of inflammation occurring at the Achilles tendon.

Injury Symptoms: Achilles tendinitis is noticeable by the pain and swelling at the back of the heel. The area will be red and difficult painful to move. The area of injury will be tender and is usually located just above the actual heel bone.

Additional Information

Home Treatments:

Achilles tendinitis can be treated at home by first reducing any immediate physical activity. Rest is critical for the first several days, which will require not using the injured foot for general mobility. Ice packs should be administered to the area 20 minutes at a time, 4-8 times per day for the first several days. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can be used to help the alleviate the pain and inflammation.

Professional Medical Treatments:

Chronic Achilles tendinitis should be discussed with your doctor. Lifestyle and behavioral changes should be used to prevent the cause of the injury. Electrical stimulation, ultrasound treatment or physical therapy may also be advised if the injury does not respond to initial treatments.

Physical Therapy and Exercises:

General range of motion stretches, such as circularly rotating the ankle will be used in the recovery and prevention of Achilles tendinitis. Additionally, the wall calf stretch and the calf raise are two exercises used to strengthen the calf muscle and the Achilles tendon. These exercises should be performed on a daily basis.

Exercise Techniques to Prevent Injury:

Along with the wall calf stretch and calf raise, the leg should be kept in top physical condition. Leg presses and leg curls will aid in increasing general stretch which will help prevent tendinitis from occurring.