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Achilles tendonitis is a medical term used to describe a condition resulting in irritation of
the large tendon, the Achilles tendon. Found in the
back of the ankle, this condition is recognized as a common cause for injury among athletes. Excessive use of the Achilles tendon results in inflammation together with swelling and pain.
The development of Achilles tendonitis can be associated with two
important factors, most frequently among athletes, which are, lack of flexibility and over-pronation. With
age, the tendons will begin to lose flexibility, just the same as other tissues in the body.
This change causes the tendons to become more rigid and more vulnerable to injury. For some people, the ankle may roll too far
downward and inward with each step they take. This is called over-pronation, which places
more stress on the tendons and ligaments of the foot, contributing to injury if
not corrected.
Achilles tendonitis may also develop from other factors. An increase in an athlete’s daily training activities may add constant stress on the feet. The repetitive overuse of the feet increases the risk of
developing tendinitis among athletes who participate in sports such as running. Besides these, inappropriate footwear may offer little support and cushioning to the heel.
Trauma from an accident can also cause irritation, inflammation, and swelling
on the tendons of the ankle, leading to the common symptoms associated with the condition.
The most familiar symptoms of Achilles tendonitis are local pain, swelling, and restricted mobility. Pain will usually decrease with
mild activity or rest but with an increase in motion, the pain can worsen. The
irritation on this fibrous band of tissue, the Achilles tendon, causes swelling, inflammation, and
tenderness near the tendon, where occasionally the calf may also become swollen.
As a result, the pain and swelling may limit the mobility of the foot and, everyday activities such as running, climbing, and even standing, may become
stressful to the tendon.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
