Achilles tendon

It is believed that the Achilles tendon is one of the most durable in the human body. However, despite this, there are situations when it is not able to withstand the load. Achilles tendon can be traumatized, inflamed and even ruptured.

In the human body, it is represented by a strong "cord" consisting of connective tissue. The Achilles tendon passes from the muscles of the calves to the heel where it is attached. Inflammatory process in it in medicine is called tendinitis.

It should be noted that the Achilles tendon and calf muscles perform the most important task, participating in the walking process. With their help, the feet and heels are raised and lowered.

As practice shows, professional athletes are most likely affected by tendenitis. However, in everyday life, there may also be traumatic situations.

With relative weakness in the calf muscles or overloads, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, it hurts, it causes discomfort and interferes with the full life. In this case, some of its fibers or all of it can completely break.

To provoking factors should be attributed to running on rough terrain. In this case, both on the descents and in the areas of recovery, the tendon is significantly overloaded.

Trauma can also occur as a result of improperly selected shoes with a very soft heel area that is falling through during walking. This provokes inadequate and unnecessary movements of the heels and excessive load on the tendon.

The development of tendenitis can also be facilitated by incorrect placement of the foot during walking. Thus the person can turn it inside and lean against its external edge or strongly lean against a heel. In addition, overexertion of the muscles of the calves and popliteal tendons, as well as excessive constant tension of the Achilles tendon promote the development of tendenitis. Inflammation provokes and other features of the lower limbs. These include a high arch of the feet, deformation of the heels.

In inflammation, patients feel that the Achilles tendon often hurts after resting, when they are just starting to move. This is due to the presence in it of a special durable "cover". Between the tendon and its walls inside there is a fatty layer. Inflammation, puffiness, the formation of adhesions and other disorders provoke difficulties in the free movements of the "cover". It becomes tight, thereby causing painful sensations. If running or walking continues, then they may decrease slightly. This is due to the warming of the gastrocnemius muscles. Increasing the temperature helps increase elasticity and stretching. Painful sensations are also revealed on examination, when pressing on the problem site.

First of all, when a symptom appears, it is necessary to ensure immobility in the ankle and shin. Cold treatment is recommended for twenty-four hours. In this case, lotions are used. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin.

In order to facilitate the patient's condition, anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen) are prescribed. Typically, a therapeutic course lasts from seven or fourteen days. Physiotherapeutic procedures, including ultrasound treatment, are also very effective.

With the alleviation of symptoms and the reduction of inflammation, rehabilitation therapy is prescribed. Its action is aimed at restoring the lost strength of the muscles of the foot and calf. For these purposes, together with the hardware procedures, exercises of therapeutic gymnastics are prescribed. They are conducted under medical supervision.

In the case of complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, the only treatment option is the surgical method.