An Achilles tendon injury can happen to anyone, whether you’re an athlete or just going about your everyday life.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It stretches from the bones of your heel to your calf muscles. You can feel it: a springy band of tissue at the back of your ankle and above your heel. It lets you point your toes toward the floor and raise up on your tiptoes.
It’s common for this tendon to get injured. It can be mild or moderate and feel like a burning pain or stiffness in that part of your leg. If the pain is severe, your Achilles tendon may be partly or completely torn.
Achilles tendinitis is another type of injury in which some part of your tendon is inflamed. There are two main types of this condition, which affect different parts of your tendon:
Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis. Fibers in the middle of your tendon break down, swell, and get thick.
Insertional Achilles tendinitis. This affects the lower part of your heel, where your tendon inserts, or goes into, your heel bone. It can cause bone spurs.
Achilles Tendon Injury Symptoms
The most obvious sign is pain above your heel, especially when you stretch your ankle or stand on your toes. It may be mild and get better or worse over time. If the tendon ruptures, the pain is instant and severe. The area may also feel tender, swollen, and stiff.
If your Achilles tendon tears, you may hear a snapping or popping noise when it happens. You could have bruising and swelling, too. You also may have trouble pointing your toes and pushing off your toes when you take a step.
Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment
Minor to moderate Achilles tendon injuries should heal on their own. To speed the process, you can:
• Rest your leg. Avoid putting weight on it as best you can. You may need crutches.
• Ice it. Ice your injury for up to 20 minutes at a time as needed.
• Compress your leg. Use an elastic bandage around the lower leg and ankle to keep down swelling.
• Raise (elevate) your leg. Prop it on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down.
• Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help with pain and swelling. Follow the instructions on the label to help prevent side effects, such as bleeding and ulcers. Take them with food. Check with your doctor first if you have any allergies, have medical problems, or take any other medication. If you need them for longer than 7 to 10 days, call your doctor.
• Use a heel lift. Your doctor may recommend that you wear an insert in your shoe while you recover. It will help protect your Achilles tendon from further stretching.
• Practice stretching and strengthening exercises. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend ones for you to try. • Take part in low-impact activities. When your doctor says it’s OK, activities like swimming can help promote healing.
You can still be active while your injury heals. Ask your doctor what’s OK to do. But don't rush things. Don't try to return to your old level of physical activity until:
You can move your leg as easily and freely as your uninjured leg.
Your leg feels as strong as your uninjured leg.
You don't have any pain in your leg when you walk, jog, sprint, or jump.
If you push yourself too much before your Achilles tendon injury fully heals, you could get injured again, and the pain could become a long-lasting problem. You may be able to avoid some of these issues if you replace high-impact sports like running with low-impact exercise. Activities such as swimming or cycling put less stress on your tendon.
Achilles Tendon Injury Prevention
Here are some things you can try:
Stretch and strengthen your calves.
Cut down on uphill running.
Wear shoes with good support that fit well.
Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in the back of your calf or heel.
Achilles Tendon Injury Diagnosis
Doctors sometimes mistake an Achilles tendon injury for sprained ankle. To make the right diagnosis, your doctor will start with a physical exam. They may want to see you walk or run so they can look for problems that might have led to your injury.
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