The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle in the lower back of the leg to the heel bone. This tendon is essential in the pushing off movement of the toes that enables walking, running and standing on the tip-toes. The physical stress of this makes the tendon prone to injury, as does its low blood supply, according to the journal "American Family Physician." The first step in Achilles tendon pain treatment is to understand the common causes of injuries and what steps can be taken to prevent re-injury.
Types of Injuries
Before treatment can begin, it is necessary to properly diagnose what type of injury has occurred. This can include Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon, tendinosis or tendinopathy, in which there are actual tears in the tendon, and rupture of the tendon. These injuries are common in runners, dancers and those who participate in activities requiring pushing off the toes repeatedly. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an injury to this area can be hard to treat because the blood supply is poor and once the tendon is injured there is a greater risk for injuring it again.
Tendinitis Treatment
Achilles tendinitis can often be successfully treated with conservative measures, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The first stage of treatment includes resting the area and avoiding activities that make the pain worse. Massaging, icing and elevating the leg will help control inflammation. Using compression or wrapping the area can help to cut down on swelling and protect the area while it is healing. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications can be taken if needed. It is also important to perform exercises to stretch and strengthen the area to help prevent future problems. If these steps are taken as soon as symptoms appear, it may just take a few days to heal.
Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
If the Achilles tendon develops tears, the treatment phase will be longer and recovery may take several weeks or months. If not treated properly, the condition can become chronic. Part of the treatment process is to cut back on activities that are high impact by performing low impact activities such as biking and swimming every other day. The Journal of the American Medical Association claims that a technique called eccentric exercise therapy, which involves stretching the area while the muscles are contracted, shows promise in chronic cases. Training at an appropriate level, not wearing high heels, wearing the correct footwear for the activities being performed and correcting any abnormalities of the foot can help. A podiatrist can design orthotics to help correct these problems. Surgery is reserved for severe cases.
Ruptured Tendon Treatment
If during sporting events or an accident the Achilles tendon is abruptly stretch or twisted too far it can completely rupture. There is often a popping or snapping sound that occurs at the time of injury. The pain is usually severe and may inhibit the ability to walk. Surgery is usually required to repair the tendon and the recovery process takes about four to six months. In cases in which surgery is not the best option, a cast may be worn to fully immobilize the area in the hopes that the tendon will repair itself. While this may work, there is a high rate of re-injury with this method, says MayoClinic.com.
Prevention/Solution
After the injury has healed, it will be necessary to slowly return to pre-injury activity level. Working within the body's ability and performing a proper warm up and cool down with every workout will help. When changing to a higher level of intensity of training or when training on a different surface than usual, it is best to proceed with caution and allow the body to adapt to the changes gradually.
