Achilles Tendinitis

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in your body which stretches from the heel bone to your calf muscles.

It appears as a band of tissue at the back of your ankle and above your heel. The Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone over a broad area.

What is Insertional Achilles Tendinitis?

The exertion of force or repeated stress on the tendon, where it attaches (inserts) to the heel bone can cause tearing, swelling and pain. This eventually leads to wearing and tearing of the tendon. 

Insertional Achilles tendinitis is the degeneration of the fibres of the Achilles tendon directly at its insertion into the heel bone.

Who is at Risk of Insertional Achilles Tendinitis?

Insertional Achilles tendinitis commonly occurs in people between the ages of 40-50 years. 

The conditions associated with increased risk are 

• spondyloarthropathy, 
• gout, 
• psoriasis and 
• Reiter’s syndrome, 
• sarcoidosis, 
• familial hyperlipidaemia and 
• diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. 

It can also be caused due to the use of medications such as steroids and certain antibiotics.

Symptoms of Insertional Achilles Tendinitis

The symptoms of insertional Achilles tendinitis are 

• pain, 
• swelling and 
• tenderness at the back of the heel. 

The pain gets worse with running, jumping and especially during sports activities.

Diagnosis of Achilles Tendinitis

Your doctor will review your symptoms and may also recommend an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Achilles Tendinitis

Insertional Achilles tendinitis can be treated

Non Surgery

Conservatively by non-surgical methods. 

• Prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Heel lifts, night splints, arch supports and proper shoes. 
• Physical therapy and stretching may also be suggested. 

In case these treatments fail, then your doctor may apply a cast or braces to facilitate healing.

Surgery

Where advised if the non-surgical methods prove to be ineffective in treating insertional Achilles tendinitis. 

During surgery, the degenerative portions of the tendon and any bone which is irritating the tendon will be removed. 

If the tendon is short, then lengthening may be done by using grafts. 

The tendon attachment to the heel bone will be strengthened with sutures.

After Surgery

After surgery, your doctor might recommend wearing a splint for 2 weeks in a toe down position to allow complete healing. 

If Achilles Tendinitis is Untreated 

Untreated Achilles tendonitis can lead to a series of tears within the tendon, making it susceptible to tendon rupture. 

A tendon rupture of the tendon will most likely require more serious treatment options, including casting or surgery.