What is Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is painful and fairly common condition caused from inflammation, irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon - the large tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg.
Are there different types of Achilles tendinitis?
There are two types of Achilles tendonitis: insertional and non-insertional.
Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the lower portion of the Achilles tendon, where it attaches to the heel. Small tears and swelling are typical of this type of Achilles tendonitis and it is common in people with a Haglund’s deformity, a foot condition where the back of the heel is prominent, which causes irritation to the tendon.
Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis is characterized by pain and inflammation of the middle portion of the Achilles tendon. It can result in degeneration of the tissue due to stress and pull of the tendon. Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis is more commonly seen in young, active people.
What causes Achilles tendinitis?
Generally speaking, Achilles tendonitis is caused by repetitive stress and overuse. It can also be cause by an increase in physical activity that takes place too rapidly. However, there are other possible causes as well such as a pre-existing foot problem, an abnormal bone growth, improper footwear, tight muscles or tendons, and even foot biomechanics such as over pronation.
What are its symptoms? How do you know if you have it?
Below is a list of the most common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon or the back of the heel, often most significant in the morning
- Pain and swelling along the tendon or heel that worsens with activity
- Thickening or swelling of the tendon
- A boney protrusion or bone spur at the back of the heel (insertional tendinitis)
- Severe pain the day after exercising
How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?
Doctors will typically order an x-ray to check for calcification or bone growth in the tendon. The x-ray can show which part of the Achilles tendon has calcified. When the lower part of the tendon is calcified, it indicates insertional Achilles tendinitis. When the middle section of the Achilles tendon becomes calcified, it indicates severe non-insertional Achilles tendinitis.