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The tendon that connects the muscles of the calf with those in the heel, the Achilles tendon, is one of the most important tendons in the body. This tendon is subject to tremendous pressure and in cases of running or jumping it sometimes needs to manage up to twelve times the body weight. When this important tendon is injured, inflammation can quickly set in, leading to Achilles tendonitis, which can cause severe foot pain.

<b>What Factors Lead to the Development of the Condition?</b>

One of the biggest causes of this condition in younger people is overuse of the tendon, often because of a sudden increase in physical activity or because of very tight calf muscles when exercising. It is especially activities that require a great degree of jumping, sudden changes of directions and spurts of running that place athletes at danger. When physical injuries to the ankle, foot, calf or lower leg lead to inflammation, Achilles tendonitis often develops very quickly. Older people can also develop Achilles tendonitis, but in these cases, it can normally be ascribed to arthritis of new bone growth at the base of the heel.

<b>What are the Symptoms?</b>

Most people that suffer from this condition complain of severe pain behind the heel and of foot pain. The pain is not always acute, but almost all patients experience increased levels of pain when the muscles of the ankle, calf and foot have not been in use for some time. The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch, and especially sharp pain may be experienced when pushing or jumping. Many sufferers find it difficult to stand on their toes.

<b>What Can be Done About the Condition?</b>

There are several treatment options for Achilles tendonitis, ranging from shoe insolest to drastic surgical interventions. Patients are advised to rest in order to allow the inflammation to subside, and in some cases, the entire foot is immobilized by means of a cast. A special shoe insole is often used to raise the affected heel slightly, thereby lessening the pressure on the heel itself. By simply packing ice around the afflicted area, the severity of the pain can be achieved for short periods of time due to the improved blood flow caused by the ice. Anti-inflammatory medication can contribute towards bringing the infection under control, and shoe insoles may also help to lessen the pain.

Regardless of the other treatment options, almost all patients are advised to undergo some physical therapy that consists of stretching and strengthening exercises that aim to make the muscles of the calf suppler. Most foot specialist will not agree to surgery until they have tried every non-invasive treatment method. Most surgical procedures that aim to treat Achilles tendonitis concentrate upon the removal of a part of the tendon and subsequent lengthening of the remaining part.

<b>How Can One Stop Achilles Tendonitis From Developing?</b>

Foot pain and Achilles tendonitis often develop because athletes fail to make sure their muscles and tendons are made supple with stretching exercises or insolest before they place pressure upon the body. Experts agree that the most important step that can be taken to prevent Achilles tendonitis is for insolest to ensure that the muscles and tendons are flexible.

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