What is Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles Tendon is a band of connective tissue that runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone of the foot.
Your Achilles Tendon helps you point your foot downward, stands on your tiptoe and pushes off your foot as you walk. It is vital to such activities as walking, running, standing and jumping.

Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles Tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles Tendon, which attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Achilles Tendonitis pain can occur within the tendon itself or at the point where it attaches to the heel bone, called the Achilles Tendon Insertion.

Achilles Tendonitis is very common in runners. During running, the calf muscles help with the lift-off phase of gait. Repetitive forces from running combined with insufficient recovery time from exercise can inflame the Achilles Tendon.

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

Achille Tendonitis usually occurs in the section of the tendon situated within 2 1/2 inches (about 6 centimeters) of the point where it attaches to the heel bone. This section might be prone to rupture because blood flow is poor, which also can impair its ability to heal. Ruptures of the Achille Tendon are often caused by a sudden increase or excessive activities.

Some of the causes of Achilles Tendonitis include:

• Exercising without a proper warmup.

• Straining the calf muscles during repeated exercise or physical activity.

• Playing sports; such as tennis, that require quick stops and changes of direction.

• Sudden increase in physical activity without allowing your body to adjust to increased training.

• Overuse injury – this occurs when the Achilles Tendon is stressed until it develops small tears. Runners seem to be the most susceptible. People who play sports that involve jumping, such as basketball, are also at increased risk.

• Arthritis – Achilles Tendonitis can be a part of generalised inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis. In these conditions, both tendons can be affected.

• Foot problems – some people with flat feet or hyperpronated feet (feet that turn inward while walking) are prone to Achilles Tendonitis. The flattened arch pulls on calf muscles and keeps the Achilles Tendon under tight strain. This constant mechanical stress on the heel and tendon can cause inflammation, pain and swelling of the tendon.

• Footwear – wearing high heels daily or for prolonged durations or wearing old or poorly fitting footwear can increase the risk of Achilles Tendonitis.

• Overweight and Obesity – being overweight places more strain on many parts of the body, including the Achilles Tendon.

• Having bone spurs in the back of your heels.

• Being older; as the Achilles Tendon weakens with age.

• Increasing the intensity of sports participation, especially in sports that involve jumping.

• Stepping into a hole.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

• The main symptom of Achilles Tendonitis is pain and swelling in the backside of your heel when you walk or run.

Other symptoms include;

• Tight calf muscles and limited range of motion when you flex your foot. This condition can also make the skin on your heel feel overly warm to the touch.
• An inability to bend the foot downward or “push off” the injured leg when walking.
• An inability to stand on the toes of the injured leg.
• A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs.

Prevention of Achilles Tendonitis

Some suggestions to reduce your risk of having Achilles Tendonitis include:

• Incorporate stretching into your warm-up and cool-down routines. Try to stretch before and after workouts. To stretch your Achilles Tendon, stand with a straight leg, and lean forward as you keep your heel on the ground.

• Maintain an adequate level of fitness for your sport.

• Avoid dramatic increases in sports training. Ease into a new exercise routine, gradually intensifying your physical activity.

• Combine high- and low-impact exercises, such as basketball with swimming, to reduce constant stress on your tendons.

• If you experience pain in your Achilles Tendon, rest the area. Trying to ‘work through’ the pain will only make your injury worse.

• Wear good quality supportive shoes appropriate to your sport. If there is foot deformity or flattening, obtain orthoses.

• Avoid wearing high heels on a regular basis. Maintaining your foot in a ‘tiptoe’ position shortens your calf muscles and reduces the flexibility of your Achilles Tendon. An inflexible Achilles Tendon is more susceptible to inflammation.

• Reduce the heel size of shoes gradually when transitioning from high heels to flats. This allows your tendon to slowly stretch and increase its range of motion.

• maintain a normal healthy weight.

Homeopathic Remedies for Achilles Tendonitis

Super Effective Homoeopathic remedies are available for treating Achilles Tendonitis. Some of its commonest symptoms are given below to match with specific homeopathic medicines or remedies;

• This homeopathic medicine is one of the top remedies for Achilles Tendon rupture. In which there is stiffness and contracted Achilles Tendon. The patient experiences electric shock like pain.
• This homeopathic medicine is indicated for rupture of Achilles Tendon with pain and swelling along with weak limbs.
• This homeopathic remedy is prescribed when there is a tearing pain in tendons and ligaments. It is worse from rest and better from movement.
• This homeopathic medicine is indicated for patients experiencing severe pain after the rupture of the Achilles Tendon especially when pain is indicated in bones of feet and ankles.

Remember, it is highly recommended for you to consult a homeopathic practitioner before starting to take homeopathic medicines for treating injuries on your own. An homeopath will be able to prescribe you the best medicines based on your condition and symptoms.
For your homeopathic treatment and medicines, consult the homeopath Oluwafunmise… on 08028366901 or 08183554665