Many people who exercise on a regular basis often have problems with their Achilles tendon causing pain after a long run or a strenuous lower-body workout. The Achilles tendon is the large, cord-like tendon that connects your heel to your calf muscle on the back of the leg. If you are suffering from pain in the Achilles tendon hours after you exercise, you might have Achilles tendonitis or a slight tear of the tendon.
Achilles Tendonitis
Tendonitis in the Achilles occurs when there is inflammation in the area around the Achilles tendon due to excessive use or arthritis. Achilles tendonitis is more likely to occur after a sudden increase in the amount or intensity of an exercise involving the lower body or when the calf muscles have not been properly stretched before the activity. Achilles tendonitis causes pain around the ankle area and may cause the tendon to feel very stiff following exercise or when you wake up in the morning. Additionally, you may notice swelling around the tendon, and the skin may feel warm when touched.
Risks of Achilles Tendonitis
Having tendonitis in the Achilles increases your chance of experiencing a rupture of the tendon, which is extremely painful and forces you to stay off your feet for several weeks after surgery. In addition, Achilles tendonitis may be caused by arthritis in the heel that causes the development of bone spurs that rub against the tendon, causing pain and discomfort. An X-ray can help a doctor determine whether you have Achilles tendonitis due to arthritis or from overuse.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
The tendon being completely severed into two different pieces is known as a rupture of the Achilles tendon. A rupture causes an extremely sharp pain to the back of the lower leg and usually is accompanied by a loud popping sound. Surgery is most often required, the patient must stay off the affected leg for several weeks and is usually not up to full strength for four to six months following surgery.
Rehabilitation
If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, surgery is most often required, which is followed by a long and arduous rehabilitation process. However, if you are simply suffering from pain in the Achilles or have Achilles tendonitis, there are steps you can take at home to recover. It is important to decrease or stop any activity that causes pain, which is usually running or walking during exercise. Additionally, you may want to walk or run on softer surfaces or switch to swimming or biking to decrease the pressure on the tendon. Finally, you may want to look into finding orthotics for your shoes that lift up the heel during exercise so that your Achilles doesn’t have to work as hard to engage the leg muscles.
