If you are an athlete at some point you have probably experienced Achilles tendon pain.  Most people will have this type of ankle pathology after starting a new program or ramping up their current workout schedule.  I personally have dealt with some insertional Achilles tendon pain and will give some insight as to what can be done to get you back to full speed.

It is important to know that the Achilles tendon is the biggest, thickest and strongest tendon in the human body.  It has more pressure per square inch than any other tendon and is constantly under load and tension.  Every time you step the Achilles tendon fires so it rarely has an opportunity to relax.  This is the primary reason it is common to have tendonitis in this location.

Other factors contributing to this can be related to training issues or foot structure issues.  Training issues are usually related to plunging into new techniques or training to hard.  It is important to build up to new levels and allow adequate recovery to prevent tendonitis.  I also am a big proponent of stretching and icing as this can speed recovery.  Foot structure or anatomical design can also have a role in this pathology.  Oftentimes patients will have a tight calf that they were born with.  It is important to establish a stretching protocol that encourages at a minimum of 3 times a day.  Other foot structures that cause Achilles issues are high arched feet or the cavus foot.  These type of feet tend to overload the Achilles. 

If you are suffering from Achilles tendon pain I can help get you back to full speed.  Give us a call today at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Physician and Surgeon

The Achilles tendon is the thickest strongest tendon in the human body.  There are more pounds per square inch going across the Achilles tendon than any other tendon.  It is important to realize that during an active gait cycle the Achilles tendon is under chronic mechanical load.  This tendon in general can become overused and is usually attributed to an increase in activity or change in activities.

The most common cause of Achilles tendon pain is what is described as watershed region Achilles tendinitis.  I encountered this in a lot of people that have begun to run or do plyometrics type activities like box jumping or jumping rope.  I encouraged people not to plunge into new activities to begin to train slowly.  With activities the changing and loading of the Achilles tendon can lead to Achilles tendinitis-type problems.  Typically this will present as pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon.  Oftentimes patients will experience increased pain that they try to push through this in addition they are at the risk of rupturing the Achilles tendon during this time.

It is extremely important that anytime a patient has Achilles tendon pain medicines evaluated by a physician.  Long-term wear and tear can delay the return to normal activities.  The longer patients have had these conditions there is a correlation with the longer it takes to recover.  Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common pathologies that I see if with recent developments in treatment protocols patients can return to activities sooner.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Board-Certified Foot and Ankle Physician and Surgeon

The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. It has more pounds per square inch applied to it than any other tendon. We consider it the work horse of the lower extremity. It is constantly in use and provides forward motion in the gait cycle. These reasons make it one of the most commonly injured or strained tendons.

Achilles tendonitis usually presents with pain and selling around the back of the ankle. Patients have usually increased activities or changed activities or even started to walk more. There is often pain when getting out of bed, that gets better as the day goes on, but returns with rest. Sometimes patients will describe weakness or a catching sensation.

Diagnosing Achilles Tendon injuries is relatively straight forward. A typical mechanical and musculoskeletal exam of the foot and ankle are performed. An ultrasound or x-ray can be helpful as well. More advanced cases can require an MRI to rule our tearing or degeneration.

Treatment is provided on a case-by-case basis. It is important to identify the cause and help eliminate or reduce this activity. Stretching is vital and reducing the mechanical burden. I always encourage people with Achilles issues to see a foot and ankle physician before implementing treatment as these measures are not always appropriate. If you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online so we can get you back on the road to recovery.