Inflammation of the Achilles tendon

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can occur due to several causes. Typical symptoms of inflammation of the Achilles tendon are local swelling, reddish irritated skin and pain on pressure. An inflammation (mild inflammatory response) is a normal natural response when soft tissues, muscles or tendons become irritated or damaged. When tissue is damaged or irritated, the body will try and increase blood circulation to the area - this leads to pain, local swelling, heat development, reddish skin and pressure soreness.

- The swelling can also cause nerve irritation

The swelling in the area can also lead to a nerve compression, which we can also see by squeezing the sciatic nerve in the seat or hip area. These symptoms will vary in intensity depending on the damage or irritation in the tissue. It is important to distinguish between inflammation (inflammation) and infection (bacterial or viral infection).

Tip: If you are bothered by recurrent Achilles' tendon problems, you should consider popular self-measures such as specially developed compression socks og toe pullers (for more correct load against foot and Achilles).

Causes of inflammation of the Achilles tendon

As mentioned, inflammation or inflammation is a natural response from the immune system to repair an injury or irritation. This may occur due to overuse (without sufficient stability muscle to perform the task) or due to minor injuries. Here are some diagnoses that can cause inflammation or inflammatory reactions in Achilles:

• Achilles bursitis (Achilles tendon mucosa)

• Arthritis (Arthritis)

• Osteoarthritis (the pain depends on which joints are affected)

• The deformity of Haglund

• rheumatism (the pain depends on which joints are affected)

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel mucosal inflammation)

Who is affected by inflammation of the Achilles tendon?

Absolutely everyone can be affected by an inflammation of the Achilles tendon - as long as the activity or load exceeds what the soft tissue or muscles can withstand. Those who increase their training too fast, especially in jogging, sports, weightlifting and especially those with a high repetitive load on weight-bearing joints are most exposed - especially if the majority of the load is on a hard surface. Too weak support muscles in combination with misalignments in the feet (overpronation and flatfoot) can also be a contributing factor to the development of inflammation in the Achilles tendon.

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be very troublesome. If an inflammation occurs then you have to keep in mind that in most cases it is self-inflicted (a lot of walking on hard surfaces with lack of training of supporting muscles for example?), And that you are smart in listening to what your body is trying to tell you . If you do not listen to the pain signals, the condition can be chronically damaged. Our advice is that you seek active treatment (eg chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist) for the problem.

Symptoms of inflammation of the Achilles tendon

Pain and symptoms will depend on the extent to which the Achilles tendon has an inflammatory reaction. We remind you again that an inflammation and an infection are two completely different things - if you get a severe inflammatory reaction with heat development, fever and pus in the area, then you have an infection, but we will go into more detail in another article. Typical symptoms of inflammation include:

• Local swelling
• Reddish, irritated skin
• Painful when pressed / touched

Diagnosis of inflammation of the Achilles tendon

A clinical examination will be based on a history / anamnesis and an examination. This will show reduced movement in the affected area and local tenderness. You will not normally need further imaging - but in certain cases it may be relevant with imaging to check if an injury is the cause of swelling or blood tests.

Imaging diagnostic examination of inflammation of the Achilles tendon (X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound)

An X-ray can rule out any fractures in the shin (femur). One MRI examination can show if there is any damage to tendons or structures in the area. Ultrasound can examine whether there is tendon damage - it can also see if there is fluid accumulation in the area.

Treatment of inflammation of the Achilles tendon

The main purpose of treating inflammation in the Achilles is to remove any cause of the inflammation and then let the Achilles heal itself. As mentioned earlier, an inflammation is a completely natural repair process where the body increases blood circulation to the area to ensure faster healing - unfortunately it is the case that sometimes the body can do a slightly excessive job and it may then be necessary with icing, anti- inflammatory laser and possible use of anti-inflammatory drugs (we remind you that overuse of NSAIDS can lead to reduced repair in the area).

Cold treatment and heat packs can provide pain relief for sore joints and muscles, also in Achilles. One should always try conservative treatment for a long time before resorting to invasive procedures (surgery and surgery), but in some cases this is the only way out. Direct conservative measures can be:

• Physical therapy (treatment of nearby muscles can provide pain relief and increased blood circulation)
• Rest (take a break from what caused the injury)
• Compression support for Achilles (opens in new window)
• Laser Therapy
• Sports casting / gymnastics
• Sole inserts (this can lead to a more correct load on the feet and soles of the feet - but is not a "quick fix" or a good plan in the long run)
• Shockwave Therapy
• Exercises and stretching

Exercises against inflammation of the Achilles tendon

One should try to cut out too much weight-bearing exercise if one is afflicted with inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Replace jogging with swimming, elliptical machine or exercise bike. Also, make sure that you stretch your thighs, calves, feet and train your feet lightly as shown this article. We also recommend that you try these quietly hip exercises.

Related article: - 10 Exercises for Bad Hips

NEXT PAGE: - Pain in Achilles? You should know this!

Popular article: - Is it tendonitis or tendon INJURY?

.

Sources:
-

Questions about inflammation of the Achilles tendon:

Question: Female, 51 years old. How can I tell if I have Achilles / Achilles tendonitis?

In most cases, pain from joints and muscles is misinterpreted as 'inflammation'. This is a simplification of the problem that shifts the responsibility away from the person affected - and which suggests that it is not that person's fault. This is normally not the case - and most people have probably overloaded themselves over their ability (eg walking for several hours when you normally sit in the office all week) or done other things before they get such a pain presentation.

Follow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

(Follow and comment if you want us to make a video with specific exercises or elaborations for exactly YOUR issues)

Follow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

(We try to respond to all messages and questions within 24-48 hours. We can also help you interpret MRI responses and the like.)