The strongest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon, serves to connect the muscles of the heel with those in the lower leg. 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. Excruciating pain in the heel and foot pain can result from instances where this tendon becomes inflamed, and Achilles tendonitis developed.
<b>What are the Causes of the Condition?</b>
One of the biggest causes of this condition in younger people is overuse of the tendon, often because of a sudden increase in physical activity or because of very tight calf muscles when exercising. It is especially activities that require a great degree of jumping, sudden changes of directions and spurts of running that place athletes at danger. Physical injury often leads to inflammation and infection, and this can also cause Achilles tendonitis. Arthritis can most certainly also contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis, and sometimes bone growths in the tendon can cause severe irritation, leading to inflammation.
<b>What are the Symptoms?</b>
Most people that suffer from Achilles tendonitis complain of severe pain behind the heel or of foot pain. The pain from this condition is typically worse when the muscles have been inactive for some time, especially first thing in the morning and after sitting down for some time. The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch, and especially sharp pain may be experienced when pushing or jumping. Standing on the toes is often excruciating.
<b>What Can be Done About the Condition?</b>
Medical specialist have several options when treating Achilles tendonitis, but most prefer non-surgical interventions such as shoe insolest. The simplest form of treatment, and also one of the most efficient, is complete rest of all the muscles in the calf, heel and foot. Lifting the heel by means of special shoe insoles can also help to relieve the pressure on the tendon. 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. Most medical practitioners will prescribe some form of anti-inflammatory medication, and even ointments that aim to topical relief.
Medical experts regard physical therapy as an important part of any treatment program and patients are encouraged to do exercises that are designed to make the muscles suppler yet stronger. When every possible treatment method has been tried without success, surgery may be considered as a last resort. Most surgical procedures that aim to treat Achilles tendonitis concentrate upon the removal of a part of the tendon and subsequent lengthening of the remaining part.
<b>Can One Do Something to Prevent it?</b>
One of the most important things that can be done to avoid foot pain caused by this condition is to follow a strict regime of stretching before embarking upon any form of exercise and wearing insolest. The more flexible the tendons and muscles are, the less likely the chances for injury, and prevention with insolest is always better than cure.
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