Torn Achilles

Achilles was the Trojan War hero made famous by Greek mythology. He was plunged into the river Styx by his mother in an attempt to protect him in battle and make him immortal. Unfortunately, he was struck by an arrow in the only place in the back of his heel she missed when she plunged into the river magic. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle power to heel, now bears his name. Runners, athletes and Achilles are all alike in the vulnerability in this area. Without this tendon (which happens to be running the biggest and strongest in the body), jumping and sports activities would be seriously compromised. Anyone can develop Achilles tendinitis. It is a common but preventable (and treatable) repeated trauma to the tendon.

If you're running the hills and feel a sharp pain or dull ache in the back of the leg down near the heel, this could be an Achilles tendinitis. If you feel along the course of the tendon (where it is moving just above your heel bone) and have affection, is most likely an Achilles tendinitis. Do not ignore it. The area of ice and decrease your activity level. Avoid hills, speedwork or grants until. If it does not quickly improve, see your podiatrist. Otherwise, you may find yourself sidelined for four to six weeks.

One of the most effective ways to prevent Achilles tendon injuries is through a good warm up and stretching routine before long runs, and rehearsal sessions in speed hill. This keeps the tendon flexible, which prevents micro-tears. Stretching exercises can improve blood circulation, allowing a speedy recovery if you do get injured. Stretch after a short warm up, you should avoid aggressive Achilles stretches when muscles are cold.

Patients with Achilles tendinitis often report a feeling of heaviness in the legs diffuse pain around the Achilles tendon, or slight pain during or after exercise that worsens in general that we are going. Other symptoms may be swelling, tenderness in the morning in the Achilles tendon, or stiffness in the back of the leg generally decreases as the tendon warms up with use.

The severity of the injury to the Achilles tendon will help determine treatment. But in most cases, the rest is part of the treatment. It may be necessary to stop running and other high impact exercises, although often you can cross train and cycle, as there is no pain or stress to the tendon healing. Treatment may also include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or orthotics, which are devices designed to help support the muscles and relieve stress on the tendon as a heel or shoe insert.

Other treatments are specifically designed for bandages to restrict the movement of the tendon, stretching, physiotherapy, massage, ultrasound and appropriate exercises to strengthen the muscle group at lower leg flexors and the rise of the foot working against the Achilles tendon. If tendinitis is mild, simple modifications of activities can help. Reduce mileage, running on the flats instead of hills, and support outside the level of activity until there is no pain to exercise can allow the tendon to heal . In general, ice is much better than the heat of the tendinitis.

Some medications may increase the risk of rupture of the Achilles tendon (complete tear). Whenever taking medications such as oral steroids or antibiotics (Prednisone, Cipro, Levaquin, etc.) you should not exercise unless you have discussed with your doctor. You could see in the news about the FDA recently issued a strong "black box" warning about antibiotics and the risk associated with tendon ruptures.

An Achilles tendon injury is serious. Interestingly, it is not always painful. However, there is usually a great weakness and difficulty standing on toes if it happened. Any suspected torn tendon can be serious and must be e.