Achilles tendon irritation (ICD code M76.6) is an irritation of the Achilles tendon. This tendon runs between the calf muscles and the heel bone. Depending on body weight and activity, large forces are transmitted. The tendon is under a lot of strain and can become inflamed. This causes the tissue around the tendon to thicken and leads to severe pain. Untreated Achillodynia can lead to an Achilles tendon rupture (rupture of the Achilles tendon). The diagnosis and treatment of Achillodynia is therefore very important.
The Achilles tendon is under a lot of strain - Achillodynia must be treated. © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
A central feature of Achillodynia is pain in the heel or calf. The pain originates from the Achilles tendon. At the same time, a thickening of the tendon occurs, which can sometimes be felt from the outside. Due to the pain, many patients have problems walking. It is possible that a rubbing noise occurs as soon as the affected person puts their foot on. Some patients only feel the pain when they put pressure on the tendon for a longer period of time. Others, however, are more severely affected and are dependent on aids when walking. In some cases, the symptoms are worse in the morning. If you press on the tendon, it may also hurt.
Pain in the ankle? This could be Achilles tendon irritation. © cirquedesprit / Fotolia
Temporary, acute Achillodynia develops into a persistent problem in some cases. Such chronic Achillodynia causes permanent discomfort. Whether the condition is acute or chronic influences the treatment options. To be on the safe side, you should therefore consult a doctor even if the pain only occurs in the morning or after long walks.
If you put a lot of strain on the Achilles tendon, the tissue will eventually wear out. This degenerative change becomes more likely the older you get.
Athletes are often affected as their Achilles tendon is exposed to greater strain. Achillodynia can be the result of a sports injury or caused by continuous overuse. People who train a lot therefore belong to the risk group. However, this also applies if you only exercise moderately but have an unfavorable posture.
Overweight people also have an increased risk of developing achillodynia. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, the higher weight puts more strain on joints, bones and tendons. Secondly, overweight and obesity promote other diseases, including various metabolic disorders. These metabolic disorders in turn are a possible cause of achillodynia.
Other risk factors include
- anatomical misalignments
- poor circulation
- rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis
- unfavorable ground, for example when jogging
- poorly springy shoes
A doctor can often detect tendon thickening in the heel by palpation. However, they will usually carry out further examinations to take a closer look at the damage. An ultrasound makes the tissue in the foot visible. The doctor may also have an X-ray, CT or MRI scan taken. The MRI has a particularly good resolution.
The doctor uses the images to make a differential diagnosis and rule out other causes for the symptoms. Imaging procedures also reveal whether the Achillodynia has already caused further damage, for example Achilles tendinitis.
The duration of the illness varies greatly. Acute Achillodynia may only last a few weeks, while chronic Achillodynia may last several months or years.
The first measure is often to immobilize the Achilles tendon with tape, a bandage or a plaster cast. The doctor applies the bandage in such a way that the foot is held in the pointed foot position. This means that the tip of the foot is slightly lower than the ball of the foot. Insoles and special shoes can also support this foot position.
Painkillers and anaesthetics, which act locally, alleviate the symptoms. Depending on the cause, anti-inflammatory medication may also be considered.
Other treatment options include physiotherapy and exercises that the patient performs themselves following appropriate instructions. These mainly include stretching exercises. As an athlete, however, you should take it easy in your actual sport.
Other procedures include
- Shock wave therapy: pain relief using sound waves
- Ultrasound therapy: the tendon is irradiated with ultrasound
- Electrotherapy: a weak current flows through the tissue
- Autologous blood infiltration(ACP therapy with autologous conditioned plasma): the administration of blood plasma obtained from the patient's own blood supports regeneration
If the treatment does not bring about sufficient improvement, the attending physician often considers surgery. He discusses this option with the patient and explains the individual chances and risks of this therapy. Which treatment makes sense always depends on the individual case.
Achilles tendon irritation in achillodynia is not only painful. It also carries the risk of the Achilles tendon closing irreversibly and becoming susceptible to tears. Prevention is all about reducing the risk factors that promote the development of Achillodynia.
If you are overweight or obese, do something good for your body by losing weight. A normal body weight not only helps to prevent Achillodynia, but also has numerous positive effects on your health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines normal weight as a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25, but many doctors recommend a BMI of 21 to 23 as a healthy weight.
Although intensive sport increases the risk of Achillodynia, sport is by no means forbidden as long as you are healthy and there are no signs of illness. On the contrary: sufficient exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. However, pay attention to correct posture when exercising and avoid overloading yourself.
If in doubt, ask an experienced trainer to correct you until you have mastered the movements safely. As a beginner, start slowly to give your body a chance to get used to the new strain.
Warm up well before you start training and integrate stretching exercises into your sports program. A cool-down phase after exercise is also part of every training session. Also use appropriate equipment, for example good running shoes for jogging.
Dmytro Panchenko / Fotolia
As soon as you experience persistent, severe or recurring pain, it is best to consult a doctor. If a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified person advises you not to exercise, take this advice to heart.
The tendon that attaches to the heel became the mythological hero Achilles' undoing for a reason. The inconspicuous tissue is susceptible to numerous injuries. Many diseases of the Achilles heel are mutually beneficial. Small tendon tears cause Achillodynia in the long term - and conversely, Achillodynia increases the likelihood of ...
- Inflammation
- Tendon rupture
- Achilles tendon irritation
- Nerve damage
- Wear and tear (degeneration) of the tendon
Athletes in particular are therefore well advised to take prevention seriously. Acute Achillodynia can be treated well in most cases. The most important measure is to immobilize the foot.
In the meantime, painkillers can reduce the level of suffering. Do not use painkillers to continue to put weight on the foot despite discomfort! This increases the likelihood of complications.
