Tendo-achilitis

What is Tendoachilitis

The Achilles tendon is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). The Achilles tendon is also called the calcaneal tendon.

The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (calf muscles) unite into one band of tissue, which becomes the Achilles tendon at the low end of the calf. The Achilles tendon then inserts into the calcaneus. Small sacs of fluid called bursae cushion the Achilles tendon at the heel. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. When the calf muscles flex, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel. This movement allows us to stand on our toes when walking, running, or jumping. Despite its strength, the Achilles tendon is also vulnerable to injury, due to its limited blood supply and the high tensions placed on it.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

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Achilles tendinopathy treatment

• Stiffness and pain along the Achilles tendon that worsens with activity and is present in the morning.
  
• Severe pain the day after exercising.
  
• Thickening of the tendon.
  
• Bone spurs.
  
• Constant swelling that gets worse throughout the day with activity.
  
• A sudden”pop” in the back of your calf or heel.

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Treatment

Achilles Tendon Surgery

If your Achilles is torn, your doctor may recommend surgery. The younger and more active you are, the more likely that surgery will be the best option.

You should have the surgery within 4 weeks of the injury. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the back of your ankle and sew the Achilles back together. Sometimes they’ll need to sew other tendons in to make things even stronger. Between 80% and 90% of these operations are successful.

Your doctor could decide not to do surgery if you’re older and less active, or if you have only a partial tear.

Patient Reviews

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