Achilles Tendonitis

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammatory condition, which usually afflicts athletes or people with tight calf musculature. The Achilles tendon is an extension of the calf muscles and runs down the back of the leg to connect to the heel bone.

There are different types of tendonitis that are classified based on location, history, and activity level. Commonly, pain occurs at or near the insertion of the Achilles tendon. Bone spurs, calcifications, thickening can all be seen with Achilles tendon conditions.

Causes

Achilles tendonitis is usually not caused by a specific injury, but rather a repetitive stress to the tendon. This often occurs when the body is not used to changes in the amount of activity or intensity or exercise.

Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness along tendon
• Pain at the back of the heel
• Tendon thickening
• Swelling / redness

Diagnosis

After you describe your symptoms and discuss your concerns with your doctor, they will examine your foot and ankle. X-rays may be ordered to assess whether there are any associated calcifications, which will indicate an insertional tendonitis. If surgery or further evaluation is necessary, an MRI scan is ordered to gage the severity of the damage to the tendon.