Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the tough sinew
that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the calcaneus or heel bone.
A chilles tendonitis causes pain and often swelling over the Achilles tendon.
The tendon is tender and may be swollen. There is pain on rising up on the toes
and pain with stretching of the tendon. The range of motion of the ankle may be
limited.
The causes of Achilles tendonitis include overuse of the tendon, overly tight
calf muscles or Achilles tendons, excess uphill running, sudden increase in the
intensity of training, sometimes along with switching to racing shoes, or wearing
high heels at work and then switching to a lower heeled workout shoe. Exerting rapid
stress on the Achilles tendon when it is inflamed can result in rupture of the tendon.
Treatment includes ice packs to the Achilles tendon, raising the lower leg, and
an anti-inflammatory medication. In some severe cases of Achilles tendonitis, a
cast may be needed for several weeks. The doctor may also prescribe a heel lift
insert for the shoe to prevent future overstretching of the Achilles tendon.
Prevention of Achilles tendonitis includes stretching the calf muscles and Achilles
tendons carefully before doing vigorous activities. If the Achilles tendons or calf
muscles are especially tight, it is a good idea to stretch them twice a day whether
or not sports activities are planned that day.
Historical aside: According to Greek mythology, Achilles's mother held
him as a baby by the heel and dipped him in the river Styx to make him invulnerable
but the heel by which she held him remained unimmersed and hence vulnerable, as
Paris' arrow in Achilles' heel later proved. As anyone who has suffered Achilles
tendonitis knows, the Achilles tendon is indeed a point of vulnerability.
Common Misspellings: achilles tendenitis, achilles tendonitius
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