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| WHAT IS AN ACHILLES TENDON INJURY? |
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| The Achilles Tendon is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle of the leg. Injury to the tendon may cause it to become inflamed or torn. |
| Achilles tendonitis is the term used when the tendon is inflamed. The Inflammation causes pain at the back of your leg near the heel. A tear of the tendon is called a rupture. It also causes pain in the heel. |
| HOW DOES IT OCCUR? |
| Achilles tendonitis can be caused by |
| Overuse of the Achilles tendon |
| Tight calf muscles |
| Tight Achilles tendons |
| Lots of uphill running |
| Increase in the amount or intensity of sports training |
| Racing flats (racing shoes with less heel lift) |
| Over pronation (when your feet roll inward and flatten out more than normal as you walk) |
| Wearing heels at work, then switching to low heels for exercise |
| An Achilles tendon may tear during sudden activity. For example, the tendon may tear when you jump, or when you start sprinting |
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| Achilles tendonitis causes pain and may cause swelling over the Achilles tendon. The tendon is tender and may be swollen. You will have pain when you rise up on your toes, and also when you stretch the tendon. The range of motion of your ankle may be limited. When the tendon tears or ruptures, you may feel a "pop". If there is a complete tear, you will be unable to lift your heel off the ground or point your toes |
| HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? |
| Your health care provider will examine your leg, looking for tenderness and swelling. Your provider will watch your feet as you walk to see if you over-pronate (roll your feet inward and flatten out more than normal when you walk) |
| HOW CAN I PREVENT ACHILLES TENDONITIS? |
| The best way to prevent Achilles tendon injury is to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendons before exercise. If you have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles, stretch them twice a day whether or not you are doing any sports activities. If you have a tendency to get Achilles tendonitis, avoid running uphill |
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