Signs of an Achilles Tendon Injury
It goes back to Greek mythology when the demi-God Achilles immortal mother Thetis dipped him in the river as a baby to make him invincible but held him by his ankle, leaving that part unprotected. Later, the demi-God was killed by a Trojan arrow hitting his feet directly. This is where Achille’s heel comes from!
This is just a brief story with regards to the name.
Let’s look at the Achilles Tendon Injury in particular and various other aspects of it.
What is Achilles Tendon?
The longest tendon of the human body stretches from the calf muscle to the base of the heal. It is a very significant connection that is subjected to a lot of stress and pressure in daily activities and athletic practices. In all activities like running, walking and jumping, the work of the Achilles tendon can be felt and also while pointing the toes forward and standing on the tippy toes.
Causes of Achilles tendon injuries
Many daily activities can pave the way for Achilles tendon injuries like a tear, rupture, or Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tearing can happen suddenly or over time, varying in intensity. The sudden strike of pain you experience in the area is the rupture of the tendon. Achilles tendonitis occurs over time when too much pressure is exerted on the spot.
Symptoms of Achilles injury
The most common symptom is the popping sound. Other ones include:
- Pain in the heel and down the back of the leg
- Pain getting worse during activities
- Waking up with sore and stiff Achilles
- Tendon pain after exercising
- Worsening swelling and pain condition
- Reduced flexibility in the affected foot
- Popping sound accompanied by a sharp pain
Risk factors
Everyone involved in physical activities, especially sports and intense exercises, is exposed to the risk of developing Achilles tendon injury.
Some other common causes of Achilles include:
Age: The ones aged above 30 or 40, since the muscles become weak with increasing age
Gender: When compared to other genders, men are five times more likely to get an Achilles injury
Medical Prescription: Someone who is injecting steroids, even for medical needs
Overweight: This puts extra pressure on the muscle
Not wearing the right shoes for a sport activity
Anyone who is starting to play a different sport and unaware of the right techniques can end up hurting the Achilles.
It is a very commonly occurring problem, and in mild cases taking proper rest and non-inflammatory medication can help. In case the problems become severe, it is best to see your orthopaedic expert.
