Achilles heel pain is usually the result of Achilles tendinitis (or tendonitis), which is irritation and subsequent inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. In less frequent cases, this type of heel pain can also be a result of rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes of pain in the vicinity of the Achilles tendon include plantar fasciitis, bursitis and heel fracture or a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Achilles heel pain refers to pain and discomfort at the back of the leg and near the point at which the calf muscles end at the heel bone. It is one of the more common causes of foot and ankle pain among adults, particularly physically active ones.
In what follows, we shall discuss the nature of this type of pain and the other symptoms. We shall then discuss how a physician would typically diagnose the cause of pain over the Achilles’ heel region. We will also discuss the typical treatments for this pain. Finally, we will discuss the steps one can take to prevent Achilles’ heel pain, or at least to reduce the risk of its occurrence.
It is a strong and fibrous band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.
Tendonitis in this area can be due to an achilles tendon injury from repetitive activity that imposes stress on the tendon. This damage can lead to tendonitis and therefore to Achilles tendon pain.
The risk factors that can increase the likelihood of experiencing this damage include:
People with naturally tight calf muscles are particularly likely to experience heel pain after the above activities.
In addition to repetitive stress due exercise, Achilles’ heel pain can also be a result of tendonitis caused by an infection.
Besides Achilles heel pain, those suffering from Achilles tendonitis will experience some or all of the following:
The severity of the pain in Achilles tendonitis is quite variable. It can be a mild ache which eases with exercise or a severe pain which limits walking.
If the pain occurs near the heel (at the bottom of the calf), the tendonitis may be affecting the lower part of the tendon – the point at which it attaches to the heel bone. This type of tendonitis is called insertional Achilles tendonitis.
To confirm whether the Achilles heel pain is due to tendonitis, a doctor will get as much information as possible about the pain and swelling in the heel and calf. For example, the patient may be asked when the pain started and when it is at its most intense.
Another important part of the diagnosis is asking the patient to stand (or try to stand) on the balls of the feet. This gives the doctor an opportunity to assess the ankle range of motion and flexibility.
To get an even better idea of the area causing pain, a doctor may palpate (examine by touch) the heel and Achilles tendon areas.
Finally, if the doctor is still uncertain of the cause of the pain, she may request an imaging study of the area.This may take the form of an X-Ray, MRI Scan or ultrasound imaging. The latter two in particular can reveal rupturing or other damage to the Achilles tendon.
It is unusual for an imaging investigation like an X-Ray or an ultrasound to be needed to make a diagnosis. The majority of cases are diagnosed based on information from the patient and examination findings alone.
Achilles’ heel pain due to tendonitis can be treated in many ways. Some of these are listed below.
If you are experiencing Achilles heel pain, the following conservative treatments can be attempted at home before resorting to more invasive treatments:
Treatment of the other causes of heel pain apart from Achilles tendonitis involves use of one or more of the above-mentioned methods. However, a ruptured Achilles tendon and a fractured heel will usually need surgery.
If the above home-based treatments do not prove effective, your doctor may recommend:
To conclude, we shall list a few recommended steps for preventing Achilles tendonitis and the heel pain it causes:
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