Achilles Tendonitis

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

The Achilles is the tendon positioned at the back of the leg and attached to the heel bone. It is the strongest tendon in the entire body and connects the leg muscles to the foot, giving us the ability to lift our toes, walk, run and rotate the foot. It is the Achilles that supports the body’s weight during exercise and everyday activities.

Achilles Tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. It sends a sharp pain just above the ankle that and is often debilitating.

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis:

Most symptoms are linked to exercise or strenuous activity. Simple mistakes like poor stretching before exertion can be the cause, as can participating in activities that involve sudden stops and starts and repetitive jumping (basketball, netball, tennis etc). Inappropriate footwear is also a major cause of the condition.

The following factors also contribute to the onset of the condition:

• Flat feet
• Over pronation
• Shoes that don’t stabilise or support the foot
• Leg length discrepancy – one leg longer than the other

Women who wear high heels and then switch to trainers or flats often feel the effects of Achilles Tendonitis. This is because the muscles in the lower leg have shortened because heels don’t require them to stretch – so as soon as the foot is placed in a flat surface, the muscle is required to stretch out of the size it has become accustomed to. This causes inflammation and induces Achilles problems.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis:

There are 3 progressive stages of tendon inflammation:

1. Preitenonitis

This stage is characterised by a local pain during or following exercise or activity. The longer the condition develops the quicker the pain occurs and it can also become painful during very light activity and even during rest.

2. Tendonitis

This is the part of the condition that happens without major symptoms occurring – for this reason it is termed the ‘degenerative’ stage of the problem. However it can cause swelling or hard knots of tissue near the back of the leg

3. Preitenonitis with tendonitis

Stage one and two coupled together, results in pain and excess swelling with any exercise or activity. The pain is characterised by a sharp burning pain about two inches above the heel of the bone of the foot. If the condition progresses untreated, partial or complete tendon rupture can occur and additional symptoms can occur:

• Excess thickening of the tendon
• Cracking sound coming from the ankle
• Nodules along the tendon where scar tissue has formed

Relief and Prevention of Achilles Tendonitis:

The majority of Achilles Tendonitis cases develop over time, with pain increasing from short, mild bursts to increased shooting pains that develop during exercise and eventually to pain even when at rest. This can make walking virtually impossible and requires a long rehabilitation period.

Research shows that the following can help prevent and relive the condition:

• Temporarily ceasing the activity that causes the pain
• Cold compress for around 20 minutes when ever rest is resumed
• Select footwear with a proper arch support that reduces pronation, has a firm heel counter, wide toe box, rigid shank, removable innersole and a long vamp.
• Stretch and massage the calf muscle before and after exercise
• Begin exercise slowly, especially if you’re new to it

If the pain persists you should always consult your GP

Customer experience :

"I now only buy earth shoes as I find that they really help with my condition. If I had my way I would have a pair of every single one."- Michelle, Cheshire, United Kingdom.