The treatment for Achilles' tendonitis and its recovery time depend on a number of factors, such as severity and the person's age. Various treatment modalities are relatively uncomplicated to perform and usually yield good results quickly. However, many people do not realize that simple prevention can avert Achilles' tendonitis in the first place. Also, being aware of the susceptibility to re-injury of a previously damaged Achilles' tendon can avoid long term pain and disability.
Know Facts
In 2002 the journal "American Family Physician" reported that Achilles' tendonitis is one of the most common sports injuries, affecting 10 percent of runners. Sporting activities are the most common cause of Achilles' tendonitis, and account for 75 percent of Achilles' tendon injuries. Achilles' tendonitis also is most common when a person first takes up athletic activities. Training errors are the usual blame for this condition. Improper running techniques or wearing poor-fitting footwear are typical underlying causes. Also, hyperpronation, or the inward rotation of the foot, as well as excessive calf muscle contracture contribute to symptoms. If left untreated, tendonitis is the first stage in a cascade of events leading to complete tendon failure and possible rupture.
Prevention First
Health care professionals are adamant that prevention of Achilles' tendonitis is the best treatment. The Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at the University of Washington recommends that all physical activities should increase their intensity and duration gradually, especially if the exercise regimen is new. Gradual buildup leads to strengthening, and this is important because weak muscles can cause injury. Always warm up and take frequent breaks. Wear footwear appropriate to the activity and use orthotics if necessary. Try to avoid activities, which stress the calf and ankle. Cross-training helps avoid injury because it alternates between high and low impact activities, minimizing long-term stress loads on the Achilles' tendon.
Primary Treatments
Most Achilles' tendonitis is mild and responds well to simple treatments. "American Family Physician" 2002 recommends rest as the primary treatment during the early phases of the condition to control the inflammation and pain. This can be supplemented with icing several times per day as well as using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the pain and swelling. Over time, icing should be replaced with hot towels or a heating pad to promote healing. If these measures fail, more aggressive therapy may be needed, which include massage, physical therapy and ultrasound treatment. Stretching the calf muscle also may promote healing faster. If no improvement is felt after a few months, depending on the severity, then immobilizing the ankle by casting should be considered. If that fails for a period of up to six months, surgery may be required.
Recovery Time
The amount of recovery required to heal Achilles' tendonitis varies with the severity of the injury, including person's age, prior injury. According to Tendonitis.org, mild pain and inflammation concentrated around the heel, especially when walking is the most common complaint, the most easily treated and has the shortest recovery time. If the person is otherwise healthy, conservative management will result in complete recovery in two to four weeks. More severe conditions will require more aggressive therapy, such as physical therapy, that can add additional weeks to the recovery time.
Beware of Re-Injury
Many people believe that once the Achilles' tendon heals they can simply go back to their normal exercise routine. What must be understood is that this represents a prior injury, placing the person at a higher risk for re-injury of the Achilles' tendon. The National Institutes of Health suggests knowing your limits and if discomfort or pain in the tendon is felt, do not try and work through the pain. Rather, understand that a re-injury can easily occur and immediately take the steps to prevent it.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Common Conditions of the Achilles Tendon; M. Mazzone and T. McCue; May 2002
- University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: Bursitis, Tendinitis
- MedlinePlus: Tenosynovitis
- Tendinosis.org: Current Treatments
- National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Sports Injuries
