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Overview
of the Achilles
Tendon
The achilles
tendon is located
just above the
heel and is
the continuation
of the calf
muscle (Gastrocnemius
and Soleus).
It forms the
lower part of
the calf and
attaches to
the back of
the heel. It
is one of the
strongest and
largest of the
tendons in the
human body since
it can actually
support individuals’
full body weight
and more.
What
is Achilles
Tendonitis?
Achilles
Tendonitis is
characterized
by pain in the
Achilles tendon
which radiates
to the lower
calf and heel.
It is a common
medical condition
among rugby
players and
can especially
affect players
that are playing
as "backs"
as they sprint
forward during
phases of play.
Since the tendon
is used frequently
resulting in
wear and tear.
The tendon experiences
degeneration
which is also
called Tendonitis.
Achilles
Tendonitis is
one of the primary
manifestations
of Achilles
Tendinopathy
wherein small
lesions inside
the tendon are
present but
the tissues
are not inflamed.
If the
tissues are
inflamed, the
condition is
known as Tendonitis.
The
lesions reduce
overall strength
and stability
of the Achilles
tendon and chances
are that it
could rupture
with more activity.
Tendonitis is
more common
among athletes
such as rugby
players.
The
usual symptom
of Achilles
Tendonitis is
pain which becomes
more severe
during physical
activity. The
area may also
be sensitive
to touch and
feels stiff
after lying
down for a long
period. The
affected tendon
can also appear
larger compared
to the other
unaffected one.
Treatment
For
pain and swelling,
ice packs and
Achilles
straps help
a lot in controlling
inflammation.
A medical doctor
and physical
therapist will
provide in full
detail the medications
that should
be taken, strengthening
and rehabilitative
exercises that
should be done
as well as the
surgery that
should be performed
when all other
means do not
work as well.
Pain
killers and
anti inflammatory
drugs can be
used. If rehabilitative
exercises and
activity do
not produce
satisfying results,
surgery may
be necessary
to remove the
degenerated
areas of the
tendon and restore
the tendon to
optimum tensile
strength. It
takes about
three to six
months before
the individual
can resume rugby
after surgery.
Prevention
Tips
Rugby
puts a toll
on the Achilles
tendon and should
be monitored
and controlled
in order to
ensure that
achilles tendon
injury has fully
recovered before
the next session.
Stretching and
strengthening
exercises are
crucial to keep
the tendon stabilized
and strong.
There are several
achilles tendon
stretches you
could do.
CALF
STRETCH
Stand with your
hands against
a wall and your
injured leg
behind your
other leg. With
your injured
leg straight,
your heel flat
on the floor
and your foot
pointed straight
ahead, lean
slowly forward,
bending the
other leg. You
should feel
the stretch
in the middle
of your calf.
Hold the stretch
for 10 to 15
seconds. Repeat
the stretch
six to eight
times. This
stretching exercise
is helpful for
Achilles tendonitis.
It
is a good idea
to wear shock-absorbent
insoles or to
run on low-impact
ground like
grass to minimize
pressure on
the achilles
tendon.
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Achilles
Pain
commonly
occurs
from
shearing
and
stretching
forces
placed
on the
achilles
tendon.
Over
Pronation
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The
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Stretch
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treat
and
prevent
Achilles
Pain.
While
many
people
do remember
to stretch
both
before
and
after
exercising,
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people
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