The tendon that connects the muscles of the calf with those in the heel, the Achilles tendon, is one of the most important tendons in the body. This tendon is subject to tremendous pressure and in cases of running or jumping it sometimes needs to manage up to twelve times the body weight. When the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, Achilles tendonitis can develop, causing sufferers a great deal of discomfort and foot pain.

How Does the Condition Come About?

Younger people who partake in strenuous physical activity and who fail to do warm-up exercises may place undue pressure on the tendon, and thus develop Achilles tendonitis. It is especially activities that require a great degree of jumping, sudden changes of directions and spurts of running that place athletes at danger. When physical injuries to the ankle, foot, calf or lower leg lead to inflammation, Achilles tendonitis often develops very quickly. Older people can also develop Achilles tendonitis, but in these cases, it can normally be ascribed to arthritis of new bone growth at the base of the heel.

What are the Main Indicators of the Condition?

When patients experience acute pain behind the heel or severe foot pain, Achilles tendonitis is often indicated. The pain experienced from Achilles tendonitis is often much worse when getting up in the morning, when sitting for long periods, and when the muscles are not exercised for some time. Another sure indication is tenderness and swelling behind the heel, and the flesh may be sensitive to touch and extreme pain may result from jumping. Many sufferers find it difficult to stand on their toes.

What Different Treatments are Available?

The condition is relatively easy to treat with insoles and most cases are concluded with complete success. The most effective cure can often be achieved by ensuring that all the muscles in the foot, ankle and heel are rested for a prolonged period of time. The majority of patients experience relief from pain by using special shoe insoles that raise the heel a little bit from the ground. By simply packing ice around the afflicted area, the severity of the pain can be achieved for short periods of time due to the improved blood flow caused by the ice. Anti-inflammatory medication can contribute towards bringing the infection under control, and shoe insoles may also help to lessen the pain.

No treatment program is deemed to be complete without some form of physical therapy that aims to not only strengthen the muscles, but also to make them suppler. Surgery is not readily undertaken, and most foot specialists prefer to first exhaust all other options. Surgery usually involves the removal of the damaged part of the tendon, followed by lengthening the tendon or moving the tendon attachment in the heel.

How Can One Stop Achilles Tendonitis From Developing?

Most sportsmen know how important it is to avoid foot pain by completing a series of stretching and warming up exercises before they subject their bodies to the rigors of exercise. Fitness experts concur that the best way to prevent injury to the tendons and the muscles is to keep them as flexible as possible.