Achilles Tendonitis Information & Treatment

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the band of flexible tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, used when you walk, run or jump. Although it can withstand great stress from everyday use, the tendon is also prone to inflammation caused by degeneration, overuse or injury.

Also referred to as the calcaneal tendon, the Achilles is named for the mythical Greek war hero who was unbeatable except for one fatal weakness in his heel. Achilles tendonitis, also known as "Achilles heel," is characterized as a weakness in this tendon.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation along the Achilles tendon, causing pain and discomfort in the ankle and heel.

Too much stress on the tendon will cause it to overextend, or tear along its length and/or where it inserts into the heel bone. This leads to inflammation, pain, swelling and irritation.

Types of Achilles Tendonitis

Non-insertional Achilles Tendonitis: Tendon fibers begin to break down and swell.

Insertional Achilles Tendonitis: Bone spurs, calcified bone growth, forms where the tendon meets the heel bone.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

Symptoms include pain and stiffness along the tendon in the morning, swelling and/or pain that is constant or gets worse throughout the day, severe pain the day after exercising, thickening of the tendon or bone spurs.

Who Gets Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is common in runners, basketball and soccer players, dancers or anyone else who has tight tendons, or puts a repeated or excessive amount of strain on their legs and feet.

Non-insertional Achilles tendonitis is most common in younger active people. Insertional Achilles tendonitis is more likely to affect anyone regardless of activity level.

Healthy Feet Store Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Recommendations

If you have Achilles tendonitis, it may be quite some time before you begin to feel relief. At the Healthy Feet Store, we understand how frustrating the healing process can be. Our free shipping on items over $50 and easy return policy on the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis should help ease some of the pain.

Take it slow for a while and give your tendon some time to recover. Switching from a high-impact activity like running to a low-impact activity like swimming and cycling gives you the option to rest your tendon, but stay active. Stretch before and after all exercise, even the low-impact activities. If you have not exercised in a long time, consult your podiatric physician before starting a new exercise program.

Orthopedic shoes and supports help reduce strain and irritation in the tendon. While a doctor may prescribe a walking boot, it isn't recommended for long-term use as it weakens calf muscles. Affordable inserts from HealthyFeetStore.com can help provide support all day long. Dr. Hurless strongly recommends the Powerstep Arch Supports for everyday use.

Healthy Feet Store Achilles Tendonitis Shoe Recommendations

Purchase and maintain good shoes and replace them regularly. Doctor Hurless recommends the following shoe brands Achilles tendonitis heel pain:

Aetrex, Apis, Brooks, Comfortrite, Darco GentleStep, Drew, Klogs, Naot, New Balance, Orthofeet, P.W. Minor, and Sanita

Consult your doctor about all preventative and restorative therapies.