Achillies Injury - Medtick
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Achillies Injury

What is it?

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone  and helps one to walk  by helping to raise the heel off the ground.

Diagnosis test

Consider:

Types

The two common conditions are:

  • Achilles tendonitis –  short -lived inflammation of the Achilles tendon
  • Achilles tendonosis – if Achilles tendonitis is not heeling causing the tendon to loose its strong structure and cause very small tears and can be long term.

The pain may  occur anywhere along the tendon’s path, beginning with the tendon’s attachment directly above the heel upward to the region just below the calf muscle.

Pain often appears upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest, then improves somewhat with motion but later worsens with increased activity.

Recovery

  • Achilles injury can take 6- 8 weeks to recover.
  • A torn Achilles can take with the help of physical therapy, most people can return to normal activity in 4 to 6 months.
    • In physical therapy, you will learn exercises to make your calf muscles stronger and your Achilles tendon more flexible.

Cause

Medication i.e.

Symptoms

  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • Joint stiffness and pain?
  • Dull ache pain?
  • Tenderness in affected area: behind the foot on the lower leg?
  • Swelling in affected area:behind the foot on the lower leg?
  • Loss of movement?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

  • Blood clots in calf (deep vein thrombosis)
    • Severe pain behind knee?
  • Achilles injury Rupture:
    • Sudden pain at the back of calf or ankle?
    • Snap or pop sound?
    • Difficulty in walking or standing on tip toe?
    • A gap felt in the tendon?
    • Bruising of ankle?
    • Weakness of ankle?
    • Severe swelling?

epainassist.com

Please see your Medical Doctor If symptoms not improving after a week or one is  in a lot of pain
  1. Rest – stop the exercise or activities that caused the injury until you feel better
  2. Ice – put an ice pack (you could use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel) on the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  3. Compress – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it
  4. Elevate – if possible, keep the injured area raised on a pillow when sitting or lying down

To help prevent swelling during the first 2 to 3 days, try to avoid:

  • Heat, such as hot baths and heat packs
  • Alcohol
  • Massages

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the tendon doesn’t become stiff.

Do

  • Warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards
  • Wear suitable shoes for exercise
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive exercises

Don’t

  • Over-exercise tired muscles
  • Start a new sport without some training or practice
  • Stick to the same repetitive exercises

NHS.UK

This condition can have similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Achillies Injury in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations

Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service Information for Patients www.tims.nhs.uk

East Sussex Healthcare Trust

Massachusetts General Hospital Orthopaedics

Marathon Training Academy

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