The Achilles tendon is a long tendon that connects the heel with calf muscles. The function of the Achilles tendon is simple but crucial: it allows you to the floor.
Common Causes of Achilles Tendon Injury
Repetitive stress caused by overuse
Not increasing physical activity slowly – quick and tremendous stress
Not enough stretching and warming up before exercise
Wearing high heels
Feet problems like flat feet. It leads to disposition of pressure on the foot.
Too tight muscles/tendons in the foot.
Leg muscles
Muscles of the right leg, posterior view
m. gastrocnemius caput mediale m. gastrocnemius caput laterale m. soleus (calf muscle)
Normal Achilles tendon
Do you know that the Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest one in the body?
Do you know that during walking the Achilles tendon can withstand a stress load 3.9 times exceeding your body weight?
Calcaneal tendon (Achilles)
Achilles injuries
Here’s the list of the most common injuries of the Achilles tendon:
Tenosynovitis
Tendon’s tissue sheath becomes inflamed, swollen, and hot
Tendon rupture
It occurs when the Achilles tendon is completely or partially torn. Also, tendon rupture may be caused by medication side effects, laceration or crushing.
Tendinosis (tendonitis)
Degeneration and inflammation of the Achilles lead to its partial breakdown or even tears (in chronic cases).
How to Treat Achilles Tendon Conditions
In case of tendonitis or tendinosis
Sto ache. Get some rest.
Gentle stretches are a daily must
Be proactive and strengthen your Achilles tendon with calf raises
Try physical therapy
Keep your Achilles tendon cold with ice. Apply a pack of ice every time after exercising or physical therapy.
In case of tendon rupture or laceration
Do not do anything that causes pain. Get some rest and forget about stretching and exercising – it will have a negative impact on the tendon.
Surgery. If you have a complete rupture of the tendon, surgery is needed.
About the Author
Dr. Lev Kalika is a world-recognized expert in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, with 20+ years of clinical experience in advanced rehabilitative medicine. In addition to operating his clinical practice in Manhattan, he regularly publishes peer-reviewed research on ultrasound-guided therapies and procedures.
Dr. Kalika is an esteemed member of the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment ((SMST), and the only clinician in New York certified by the ISMST to perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), and has developed his own unique approach to dynamic functional and fascial ultrasonography.
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed to be a complete tear with muscle contraction under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited on dynamic sonography examination
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