The Achilles Tendon is a large tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. The tendon runs from your heel to halfway up your lower leg where it joins to the muscle and is the largest and strongest tendon in your body. The Achilles tendon is necessary for normal walking as it helps to lift your heel off the ground. We can treat problems of the Achilles tendon in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop.
The most common injuries to the Achilles comes from overloading the tendon, such as starting a new active hobby or having a labouring job that involves a lot of lifting, or from a lot of repetitive movements such as going on a walking holiday. Sporting activities are another common cause of Achilles tendon issues accounting for about a third of all injuries.
There are several conditions that can cause pain in your Achilles tendon and range in severity.
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon. This is often due to repetitive movements that irritate the soft tissues causing them to become inflamed. If Achilles tendonitis is treated it can lead to tendinopathy.
Tendonopathy, or tendinosis, is when the tendon has begun to deteriorate and develops tiny tears. Ongoing stress on the tendon prevents it from healing itself.
A partial or full tear of the Achilles tendon is a less common injury. A rupture is more likely among sportspeople in their 30s to 50s. When a tendon is torn or ruptured a cracking or popping sound is sometimes heard.
The symptoms of Achilles tendon problems include:
Symptoms will vary in severity depending on which tendon injury you have. For example, you may be able to raise up onto your toes with tendonitis or tendinosis (albeit painfully) but not with a tendon rupture.
Depending on how serious your Achilles tendon condition is, recovery can take several weeks and maybe even months. Being overweight, inactive, smoking or having diabetes may all affect your ability to recover, so addressing your overall wellbeing will also help with your recovery.
Surgery is also an option for treatment damaged Achilles tendons. But your suitability for surgery will depend on your age, activity levels and previous history of Achilles problems. Book your treatment for problems of the Achilles tendon in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or Worksop. You can also follow us on social media.Β
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