Several conditions can cause Achilles heel pain. According to the Foot Health Facts website, the Achilles tendon links the calf muscles with the calcaneus, or heel, bone. The Achilles tendon assists walking by raising the heel off the ground. The Achilles tendon is a common site of pain, especially among athletes. Most causes of Achilles heel pain respond well to conservative care strategies, such as manual therapies, a change in footwear and certain physical therapy modalities.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis can cause Achilles heel pain. According to MayoClinic.com, Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinitis can be caused by overuse, vigorous exercise, jumping, or other activities that place stress on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Achilles tendinitis is particularly common among runners. Common signs and symptoms associated with Achilles tendinitis include a mild ache or pain behind the heel, pain in the affected area with prolonged bouts of running or stair climbing, tenderness and stiffness in the involved area that's worse in the morning, a palpable bump on the Achilles tendon, and a creaking sound when the Achilles tendon is moved or touched. MayoClinic.com states that serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can result in ruptures or tears of the Achilles tendon, which require surgical intervention.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause pain in the Achilles tendon. The Spondylitis Association of America, or SAA, states that ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that usually targets the spine, although other body parts may also be affected. Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation in the spinal joints that can result in long-term pain. In some cases, the condition can also cause new bone to grow in the spine, leading to fusion and immobility of the spinal joints. Along with spine pain, common signs and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis include pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone; stiffness in the lower back and the hips; pain in the hip, knee, shoulder and foot joints; and eye pain. According to the SAA, although there currently is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, certain treatments can reduce a person's symptoms and lesson the pain.
Achilles Tendinosis
Achilles tendinosis can cause Achilles heel pain. According to The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center---a Baltimore, Maryland-based hospital---Achilles tendinosis is a chronic condition that involves the gradual degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinosis may be caused by impaired blood circulation to the Achilles tendon, which allows microscopic tears to develop in the tendon's tissue. Due to the insufficient blood flow to the Achilles tendon, the microscopic tears in the tendon do not heal properly, allowing additional tearing of the tendon. Over time, the Achilles tendon grows thicker and weaker, and it can become painful too. Common signs and symptoms associated with Achilles tendinosis include a painful Achilles tendon, pain in the affected area during the push-off phase of gait and a thickened, swollen Achilles tendon. Most cases of Achilles tendinosis occur in people between the ages of 35 and 45, the institute notes.
