The Achilles tendon is a band of cord-like tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the leg to the heel bone. Because of the stress placed on it from running, jumping and walking, tendinitis can develop from overuse or intense training. Women who consistently walk in high heels may also find that the tendon shortens over time, increasing the risk of developing tendinitis. Most of the time self-care home strategies under the supervision of a primary care provider are all that is necessary. More serious cases may require surgical intervention to repair tissue damage.
Self-Care
Achilles tendon inflammation will respond to self-care strategies that are initiated at home and evaluated by a primary care provider. Everett Clinic physicians begin with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications, such as ibuprofen. These help to reduce the inflammation at the tendon and speed healing. Combined with medication are rest, ice, compression and elevation of the area. These treatments will help the medications to decrease the inflammation in the area and allow the athlete to move to the next step in the rehabilitation process. To further reduce stress on the tendon, persons with tendon injury should eliminate sporting activities for a short period of time and use well cushioned shoes when walking and exercising.
Stretch and Strengthen
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend that their patients begin a stretching and strengthening program after inflammation in the tendon has begun to subside. By using appropriate exercises the athlete can help prevent this injury from occurring again. Each exercise revolves around the stretch and strength of the calf muscle. A physical therapist or primary care provider will show the athlete the proper way to stretch both the upper and lower portion of the calf muscle so it stays in balance. Toe raises will also help to make the tendon stronger. A physical therapist can demonstrate several methods of doing these exercises that strengthen all aspects of the tendon.
Ultrasound Guided Treatment
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University published findings that supported the use of ultrasound therapy and needle procedures in the treatment of tendon problems, according to Science Daily. In December 2002 Jefferson University radiologists made public their results showing that ultrasound evaluation and hypodermic needle therapy was an effective alternative to surgery. They found that ultrasound was able to visualize the injured or calcified tendon better than an MRI. Once they identified the injured area, the researchers used the needle to break up the scar tissue and calcifications under the guidance of the ultrasound imaging. The patient was then treated with an injection of a steroid type medication to encourage the development of blood vessels and growth of new, healthier tissue.
Footwear
Mayo Clinic physicians recommend that athletes also consider the placement or position of their foot during activities. During the healing process, a wedge or cushion may relieve the force on the tendon. Once the athlete's heel has recovered, she may consider the use of orthotics to hold her foot in an appropriate biomechanical position to decrease the potential for re-injury.
Surgery
When the Achilles tendon has ruptured or torn, surgical repair is necessary to regain sufficient function in the foot. Athletes who choose surgical repair are less likely to have a rupture recurrence, and those who choose minimally invasive procedures have fewer complications than those who choose an open procedure, according to Physicians Assistant David Cary, in his review article published in 2009 in the "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants."
References
- EverettClinic: Achilles Tendon Problems
- MayoClinic: Achilles Tendinitis
- ScienceDaily: Jefferson Researchers Find that Ultrasound Helps in Treating Tennis Elbow and Other Tendon Problems"; John McShane, MD; December 2002
- "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants"; How to Diagnose and Manage an Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture; David V. Cary, PA-C; August 2009
