The Achilles tendon is tremendously strong, connecting the muscles in the lower legs with those in the heel, thus enabling walking and running. Without the ability of this tendon to deal with massive pressure, sometimes several times the weight of the body, humans will not be able to walk, run or jump. When the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, Achilles tendonitis can develop, causing sufferers a great deal of discomfort and foot pain.
How Does the Condition Come About?
Many people that partake in vigorous sports activities fail to stretch their muscles prior to taxing physical activities, and therefore place the tendon under an unacceptable amount of pressure. Sports that require a lot of jumping, such as basketball for example, are one of the most common causes of the condition with younger people. Inflammation that leads to this condition can quickly develop in cases of physical injury to the ankle, calf or lower leg. Sometimes new bone grows at the base of the heel and this growth may prove to be an irritant to the tendon, eventually leading to Achilles tendonitis in older people.
What are the Main Indicators of the Condition?
One of the surest indicators of Achilles tendonitis is severe foot pain or pain behind the heel. 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. Most patients report tenderness and swelling in the area of the tendon, and jumping or pushing often result in sever, sudden pain. Standing on the toes is often excruciating.
