Your Achilles tendon is located in the back of your ankle above the heel. Tendons can become inflamed from overuse or injury, but what is commonly called "Achilles tendinitis" is now often termed "Achilles tendinopathy," because it is thought to be a degenerative condition rather than an inflammation, according to The Sports Injury Clinic. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says the first thing you must do if you have Achilles tendinitis is decrease or stop any activity that makes the pain worse.
Overuse Causes Tendinitis
Once you have Achilles tendinitis, healing is usually slow, because the tendon does not have a very good blood supply. Achilles tendinitis can be acute and occur over a period of a few days, or it may be chronic and develop slowly. Acute tendinitis usually follows an increase in activity such as training or competition. It is the result of overusing the tendon, and you should decrease or stop exercises such as skiing once you develop tendinitis, to allow the tendon to heal.
Research
The Achilles tendon provides the pushing power for walking, running and skiing. Cross-country skiers may be more prone to Achilles tendon injuries, according to an article in the 1993 “Zeitschrift für Unfallchirurgie und Versicherungsmedizin.” This may be due to the “skating” motion used in cross-country skiing. Researchers found the two most painful irritations and overuse injuries were in the knee joint and Achilles tendon.
Acute and Chronic Tendinitis
Symptoms of acute Achilles tendinitis usually start with the gradual onset of pain in the back of the ankle, just above the bony part of the heel. Pain tends to be more noticeable at the onset of exercise, but as you exercise, it slowly improves. The Achilles tendon becomes less painful with rest. If acute tendinitis is not treated, it may become chronic, and chronic Achilles tendinitis is more difficult to treat. Chronic Achilles tendinitis symptoms are similar to those of the acute condition, except that the tendon is painful with all exercises and pain lasts throughout the exercise session.
Treatment and Other Considerations
Treatment usually consists of rest, cold therapy -- such as the application of ice -- and anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends you engage in activities such as biking, elliptical exercise and swimming to reduce stress on the tendon. Wearing a heel pad may decrease strain on the tendon. Once you have a history of Achilles tendon problems, you should be conservative with exercise, according to Dr. Carson Robertson, a chiropractor who specializes in running and soft tissue injuries such as Achilles tendinitis.
