The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This tendon is responsible for helping the foot flex, which allows you to raise up on your toes, run, jump and walk up and down stairs. When this tendon gets overused or strained from repetitive motions, such as running or jumping, it can become inflamed and be painful. If caught early though, treatment for this pain can be relatively simple.
About
Achilles pain is usually related to tendonitis. Some exercises, running in particular, can cause tiny tears in the tendon, which can become inflamed if they are not allowed to heal properly. Symptoms of tendonitis include stiffness or pain upon getting out of bed in the morning or when first starting to walk or run. This pain can decrease during activity once the muscles are warmed up, but it usually comes back afterward.
Effects
If tendonitis goes untreated or is severe enough, it can weaken the tendon and cause the Achilles to tear eventually. A perfectly healthy Achilles can also tear when it encounters a sudden, unexpected force, such as an abrupt jump, twist or sprint. When the Achilles tears, a major pop is felt near the back of the heel. This results in pain, swelling and an inability to move normally. Since the Achilles is responsible for flexing your toes up, you will not be able to walk, run or jump freely with a torn Achilles.
Treatment
If the pain in your Achilles is caught early, you may be able to heal it through rest and ice. Recognize what activity is causing the pain and reduce or eliminate it until the tendonitis is gone. Avoid running or playing through the pain because this will only make it worse. Rest is the best way to let the tendon heal and make the pain go away. Ice can also help reduce pain and inflammation. Wrap a thin towel around a bag of frozen vegetables or ice pack and apply to the affected area three to four times a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Other Treatment
See your doctor if the above treatments do not work. He can examine your Achilles to determine the level of damage and recommend an anti-inflammatory or a more aggressive treatment if necessary. You may require physical therapy, a stronger medication or other procedure.
Warning
When the Achilles tendon is healed and you are ready to resume activity, start back slowly. Give your body time to build back to its level prior to injury. Also, be sure to stretch and strengthen the surrounding area since tendonitis is often caused by a lack of flexibility, strength or muscular imbalance.
