28/09/2020
⚠️Different conditions of Achilles Tendon:
The Achilles tendon is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). The Achilles tendon is also called the calcaneal tendon.
The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (calf muscles) unite into one band of tissue, which becomes the Achilles tendon at the low end of the calf. The Achilles tendon then inserts into the calcaneus. Small sacs of fluid called bursae cushion the Achilles tendon at the heel.
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. When the calf muscles flex, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel. This movement allows us to stand on our toes when walking, running, or jumping. Despite its strength, the Achilles tendon is also vulnerable to injury, due to its limited blood supply and the high tensions placed on it.
🔴Achilles Tendon Conditions
ℹ️Achilles tendon tear: Tears of the Achilles tendon can be tiny (microtears), or large, causing pain, swelling, and impaired movement. They may occur suddenly during activity, or gradually over time.
ℹ️Achilles tendon rupture: A complete rupture of the Achilles tendon may make a "pop" sound, followed by pain and swelling of the lower leg. Treating an Achilles tendon rupture requires surgery or long-term immobilization of the ankle.
ℹ️Achilles tendinitis (tendonitis): Frequent activity (running or walking) can gradually inflame the end of the Achilles tendon, causing pain and stiffness at the back of the heel. Rest, ice, and stretching may speed healing, which can take weeks.
ℹ️Achilles peritendonitis: Similar to Achilles tendonitis, but inflammation and pain occur in the tissue surrounding the tendon, often two or more inches above the heel.
ℹ️Achilles tendinosis: Gradual thickening of the Achilles tendon without apparent inflammation, due to aging or overuse. Despite the thickening, the tendon is weakened and prone to further injury or rupture.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis
Symptoms include:
➡️discomfort or swelling in the back of your heel
➡️tight calf muscles
➡️limited range of motion when flexing your foot
➡️skin on your heel overly warm to the touch
ℹ️Achilles tendinopathy: A general term for tendinitis or tendinosis affecting the Achilles tendon.
ℹ️Achilles or heel (calcaneal) bursitis: Low-riding shoes can irritate the bursa, a sac of fluid cushioning the Achilles tendon at the heel. Pain in the back of the heel, worse with shoes on, is the common symptom.
🔴When to See a Doctor
It's important to seek out medical attention if you develop pain in the back of your leg, anywhere from your heel to your calf. Other symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit include:
➡️Leg or ankle stiffness or soreness
➡️Swelling over the Achilles tendon
➡️Difficulty standing on your tiptoes
➡️Signs of an infection like redness or warmth around the ankle or leg
🔴Physical examination
Some prime elements of the physical examination include inspecting and palpating (pressing on) the area around the Achilles tendon for swelling, warmth, crepitus (popping sensation), and tenderness; all of these features may be present with acute Achilles tendonitis. With Achilles tendonosis, besides tendon pain with palpation, the tendon may feel thick or there may be small bumps along the tendon, signifying areas of scar tissue and fibrosis.
🔑Thompson test
As part of the physical exam for Achilles tendon pain, your doctor will perform the Thompson test, also called the calf squeeze test. During this test, a person lies flat on the exam table with his or her feet hanging over the edge. The doctor will then squeeze on the calf muscle, which should flex the toes downward (called plantar flexion). If this does not occur, the test is positive for an Achilles tendon rupture.
