Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinitis

The term Achilles Tendonitis is used to refer to the condition of an inflammation of the Achilles tendon or its covering. As an overuse injury, it is common especially among joggers and jumpers, because of the repetitive action. It also may occur in other activities that need the same repetitive action.

Most practitioners use the term Achilles tendinopathy to describe both inflammation and micro-tears. However, various experts may still use the term tendonitis out of habit.

What Causes Tendon Pain?

Tendons refer to the tough fibres in our body that connect muscles and bones. Most tendon injuries take place near joints like the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. While a tendon injury can happen suddenly, it is the result of various tiny tears to the tendon that may have taken place over time.

Most Health professionals use different terms to describe a tendon injury. You may hear:

Tendonitis (or Tendinitis): Although this term means “inflammation of the tendon”, inflammation rarely causes tendon pain.

Tendinosis: The tiny tears in the tissue in and around the tendon caused by overuse lead to tendinosis.

What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?

Most tendon injuries result from gradual wear and tear to the tendon due to either overuse or ageing. Any individual can have a tendon injury; however, those who repeat the same motions in their jobs, sports, or daily activities are more likely to face damage to the tendon.

A tendon injury can either take place suddenly or overtime. There are chances of a sudden injury in case your tendon has weakened over time. Common Causes of Achilles Tendonitis include:

• Over-training or unaccustomed “use too much too soon”
• A sudden change in training surface, for example- grass to bitumen
• Flat (overpronated) feet
• High foot arch with tight Achilles tendon
• Tight hamstring (back of thigh) and calf muscles
• Toe walking (or constantly wearing high heels)
• Poorly supportive footwear
• Hill running.
• Poor eccentric strength

What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis may be felt as a burning pain at the beginning of an activity, which gets less during activity and worsens following activity. One might feel some stiffness in the tendon in the morning or at the beginning of an exercise. 

• Achilles tendonitis can lead to pain, stiffness, and strength loss in the affected area.
• The pain may start deteriorating when you use your Achilles tendon.
• You may experience more pain and stiffness when you get up in the morning or during the night.
• The area may be tender, red, warm, or swollen if there is inflammation.
• You may observe a crunchy sound when you use the tendon.

How is Achilles Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Contact Boyner Clinic to connect with our doctor to get the best treatment for Achilles Tendonitis. We have a team of highly skilled specialists who usually confirm the diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis in the clinic. The diagnosis will be based on your history, symptom behaviour and clinical tests. Reach out to us to book an appointment for the treatment of Achilles Tendonitis today.