Chronic Achilles tendonitis, also sometimes called Achilles tendinitis , is a painful and often debilitating inflammation of the large tendon in the back of the ankle (achilles tendon). It is a common overuse injury that tends to occur in middle-age recreational athletes. The overuse causes inflammation that can lead to pain and swelling. Furthermore, it can lead to small tears within the tendon, and make it susceptible to rupture.
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. The tendon has no true synovial sheath but is encased in a paratenon of varying thickness. The vascular supply to the tendon comes distally from intraosseous vessels from the calcaneus and proximally from intramuscular branches. There is relative area of avascularity 2-6 cm from the calcaneal insertion that is more vulnerable to degeneration and injury. Achilles tendon injuries are commonly associated with repetitive impact loading due to running and jumping. The primary factors resulting in damage of the Achilles tendon are training errors such as sudden increase in activity, a sudden increase in training intensity (distance, frequency), resuming training after a long period of inactivity, and running on uneven or loose terrain . Achilles dysfunction can also be related to postural problem (e.g., pronation), poor footwear (generally poor hindfoot support), and a tight gastrosoleus complex.
There may be several factors leading to Chronic Achilles Tendonitis:
Peritenonitis is characterized by localized pain during or following activity. As this condition progresses, pain often develops earlier on during activity, with decreased activity, or while at rest.
Tendinosis is a degenerative condition that usually does not produce symptoms (i.e., is asymptomatic). It may cause swelling or a hard knot of tissue (nodule) on the back of the leg.
Peritenonitis with tendinosis results in pain and swelling with activity. As this condition progresses, partial or complete tendon rupture may occur.
The main complaint is pain over the back of the heel. This is 2-6 cm above the point where the tendon inserts on the heel bone. Patients with Chronic Achilles tendonitis usually experience the most significant pain after periods of inactivity. Therefore patients tend to experience pain after first walking in the morning and when getting up after sitting for long periods of time. Patients will also experience pain while participating in activities, such as when running or jumping. Chronic Achilles tendinitis pain associated with exercise is most significant when pushing off or jumping. It may cause swelling over the Achilles tendon. Patient complains of pain when rising up on toes and pain when stretching the tendon. The range of motion of ankle may be limited.
In diagnosing Chronic Achilles Tendonitis, examine the patient’s foot and ankle and evaluate the range of motion and condition of the tendon. The extent of the condition can be further assessed with x-rays, ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment approaches for Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis are selected on the basis of how long the injury has been present and the degree of damage to the tendon.
In the early stage, when there is sudden (acute) inflammation, one or more of the following options may be recommended:
-Oral anti-inflammatories (COX-2 inhibitors).
-Avoid cortisone injections ; this will cause weakening or rupture of the tendon.
-Cryotherapy (ice massage)after exercise for anti-inflammatory effect.
-Correct leg length discrepancy if present. First try 1/4 inch heel insert for a half inch leg length discrepancy; if not improved, go to 1/2 inch insert. Overcorrection (too rapid an orthotic correction) may worsen symptoms.
-Shock wave Therapy
-If symptoms persist after 4-6 weeks of conservative measures, immobilization in a removable cam boot or cast may be required for 3-6 weeks.
-Slow, painless progression to preinjury activities
-Eccentric strengthening of Achilles tendon should condition the tendon and make it less susceptible to overuse injuries; however these exercises are not used until the patient is assymptomatic and painless for 2-3 weeks.
If these treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgery may be needed to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon.
The best treatment of Chronic Achilles tendonitis is prevention. Stretching the Achilles tendon before exercise, even at the start of the day, will help to maintain flexibility in the ankle joint. Problems with foot mechanics can also be treated with devices inserted into the shoes.