If you have heard any Greek mythology you will know that the name Achilles tendon comes from the great warrior and hero in the Trojan War who was defeated when he was hit by an arrow in the heel. Today, this remains one of the greatest weak points of the human body. We tell you what injuries you are exposed to, what they consist of and how to take care of yourself so as not to suffer them.
What is the Achilles tendon and what is it for?
Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. The largest and strongest in the body is the Achilles tendon, which connects the upper leg muscles, that is, the calf with the heel bone, called the calcaneus.
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Request diagnosisAchilles tendon injury symptoms
Pain is just one of the symptoms that there may be an injury to the Achilles tendon. There are three most common pathologies that occur in the Achilles heel: tendinitis, tendinosis and finally its rupture.
Additionally, when there is an injury, the pain may occur together with other symptoms such as inflammation, fluid accumulation in the area causing swelling, redness and heat in the affected area and reduced muscle functions. It is important to highlight that if these symptoms occur, the patient should consult with a traumatology professional so as not to worsen the medical condition.
How can I tell if I have an Achilles tendon injury?
The Achilles tendon is a fundamental part of our body's mobility, and when it is injured, it manifests with clear signs. Pain in the back of the heel or leg is the most frequent symptom, especially when walking or climbing stairs. You may also experience stiffness upon waking in the morning or a sharp pain after physical activity.
Other warning signs may include swelling, redness, or a feeling of warmth in the affected area. In some cases, a popping or clicking sound may be heard, or a sudden loss of strength may be noticed, which could indicate a partial or complete tendon rupture. If these symptoms are not treated promptly, they can worsen the injury and hinder recovery.
If the pain persists for several days or limits movement, you should see a traumatologist or specialized physiotherapist to confirm the diagnosis using imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, which will determine the extent of the injury.
What are the causes of Achilles tendon pain?
Like most injuries in the human body, Achilles heel pain has no single cause. Among the most frequent reasons why we can suffer these injuries we can mention trauma, occasional sports, inappropriate footwear or excessive rotation of the tendon.
Most common Achilles tendon injuries
Given that there are many pathologies and injuries that can be suffered in the region of the Achilles tendon, we will briefly describe the most common ones.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis, like most tendinitis, occurs as a result of a Overuse and overloading of the Achilles tendon. It often occurs in people who practice sports sporadically (once or twice a week) or in athletes who suddenly increase the intensity and duration of their training.
Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated in the patient's home, always under the supervision of a trauma specialist. To prevent the injury from becoming recurrent, it is essential that the patient follow medical instructions for personal care. Fortunately, only the most severe cases of Achilles tendonitis can develop into tears that may require more invasive measures such as surgical repair.
Hyper or over pronation
Pronation is the movement that the foot makes when it comes into contact with the ground and rotates inward. Hyperpronation consists of excessive rotation of the foot when performing this movement as a result of loss of stability of the ankle. There are sports such as skiing or constantly walking on slopes that can exacerbate this pathology.
Tendinosis
This progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon can lead to both partial and total rupture of the tendon. The collagen fibers that make it up deteriorate, causing chronic injury. There are many factors that can cause this injury to mention: direct trauma, rearfoot valgus, overweight, shortened calves or hamstrings.
Bursitis
The Achilles tendon has two sacs or sacs of synovial fluid, one internal and one external. Given its location, it is the subcutaneous or external bursa that is most exposed to external factors or blows. Sometimes due to the friction of the footwear itself, it becomes irritated or inflamed.
Like the previously mentioned Achilles heel pathologies, it is also associated with sudden changes in the level of physical activity and performing sports in an inappropriate way, including very intense exercises and without prior warming up.
Haglund syndrome
Also called bony prominence or insertional tendinopathy, it consists of an abnormal growth on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts. This spur occurs as a result of chronic inflammation that causes a deposit of calcium. Although it may seem surprising, this pathology is frequently a consequence of frequent use of tight footwear.
Achilles tendon rupture
The rupture of the Achilles tendon, although it is the most dangerous case of these pathologies, can be divided according to its severity into small tears, partial rupture or complete rupture. While small tears of the Achilles heel may be undetectable to imaging tests, a complete tear will present with very severe pain and reduced mobility of the foot and leg. It is essential that this injury is treated in time so that it does not cause irreversible damage.
Achilles tendon injury treatment
When suffering any injury that affects our bones, tendons or muscles, the most important thing will be to discontinue our physical activity. Many times it is also recommended to apply cold to the affected area to relieve pain.
Once you can make a medical consultation with a traumatology specialist, he or she will indicate all the necessary diagnostic tests and proceed to design a recovery plan. Some of the most common Achilles tendon injuries can be treated with non-invasive treatments (rehabilitation, massage, anti-inflammatory medications, electro stimulation) while others will require surgical treatments.
Exercises to strengthen the Achilles tendon and prevent injuries
To prevent injuries, it is essential to strengthen the Achilles tendon, especially for physically active people or athletes.
Eccentric exercises for the triceps surae, which involve lowering the heel from an elevated position, have proven very effective in increasing tendon strength. These exercises, combined with gentle stretching, improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness.
It is also recommended to perform progressive warm-ups before running, jumping, or participating in high-impact sports. Strengthening the ankle and calf muscles is key to stabilizing your gait and preventing overuse injuries. Consistency is key; just a few minutes a day is enough to keep the tendon strong and functional.
Be careful not to overtrain or strain the tendon, as doing so could cause further inflammation due to excessive stress. Following the physiotherapist's instructions step by step will make rehabilitation gradual and progressive, leading to a full recovery and preventing chronic injuries.
What type of footwear helps to protect the Achilles tendon?
Although it may seem like a minor detail, wearing good footwear plays a crucial role in the health of the Achilles tendon, as it requires good cushioning, arch support, and a slight heel lift to reduce stress on the area. Shoes that are too flat or rigid can increase the load on the tendon and promote the development of new micro-tears.
People with pronation or supination should choose special footwear that corrects foot alignment. There are a variety of orthopedic shoes designed to improve ankle stability and distribute weight evenly. For athletes or runners, it is recommended to replace their shoes every 600 to 800 kilometers to prevent wear and tear on the support.
Tight shoes or high heels can cause compression and irritation of the tendon. Opting for comfortable and breathable footwear, especially during prolonged activities, is the best way to prevent strain. Choosing the right shoe not only protects the foot but also safeguards the tendon's integrity.
Achilles tendon recovery: treatment times and phases
Achilles tendon recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury. In cases like mild tendinitis, recovery can be achieved in a few weeks through rest, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises. More serious injuries, such as partial or complete ruptures, may require surgery and a much longer rehabilitation period.
The goal is to control pain and inflammation using ice, compression, and anti-inflammatory medication during the initial phases. Once this stage is over, mobility and strengthening exercises for the tendon and leg muscles are added.
Recovery time can range from six weeks to six months, depending on the case and the patient. It is essential to follow medical orders and not rush the return to sports or physical activity. Consistently and patiently following a well-guided rehabilitation process ensures a full recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.
Stem cell treatments
This innovative and novel technique allows rapid recovery of damaged tissues. Typically, regenerative medicine treatments with stem cells focus on repair, the regeneration of cells, tissues or organs to recover any damaged function.
The human body is a sensitive structure exposed to thousands of external factors that can injure it. If you plan to expose yourself to a change in intensity in your exercise routine, have pain when walking or have noticed a change or swelling, do not hesitate to visit your orthopedic surgeon. At Clínica Elgeadi you can find the best specialists in Achilles tendon injuries.
27 thoughts on “Lesiones más comunes del tendón de Aquiles”
Good afternoon, I have been suffering from the Achilles tendon in both feet for a year now and I have inflammation and pain, it is amazing, it has not broken but the traumatologist told me to have surgery and I am not very convinced if there was something else other than the operation I would appreciate being able to know, I cannot abuse anti-inflammatories either because I am taking 10mg xarelto. I was off sick for three months and I recovered somewhat, but then I started working and it hurt again, as you see I can't take sick leave so many times because the jobs are bad, I would like you to tell me what I can do, thank you.
Good morning Pilar,
We are sorry for the situation you are in. In your case, it is best to consult with an expert traumatologist so that he or she can study your pathology exhaustively and determine the most appropriate treatment for it. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with our expert traumatologists in Madrid in the link provided.
All the best.
Good morning. I completely tore my Achilles tendon 2.5 months ago, I already had surgery and I'm 1 month and two weeks after the operation. In addition, I have already undergone 15 sessions of rehabilitation therapy and it has improved a lot, however, there continues to be a lot of inflammation, especially in the afternoons. Mobility and support are also very good. But as they describe, the area is hot, red and inflamed. This is part of recovery I imagine, but how much longer do you estimate this will last before leading a “normal” life and some physical activity? Thank you
Good morning Alexander,
Thanks for your comment. In this case, the recovery time will depend on the situation of each patient. We recommend that you follow the instructions of a traumatology specialist to assess your situation. If necessary, do not hesitate to contact our trauma specialists at the following link: https://clinicaelgeadi.com/contacto/
All the best.
Good day. The Achilles tendon only hurts when I put pressure on it, although it allows me to do my activities, I live under tension that could get worse. What could be causing that pain when I press it? Thank you.
Good morning Marco,
The case you present may be due to various pathologies. Therefore, it would be necessary for you to go to our trauma clinic in Madrid to be able to carry out the necessary medical studies.
All the best.
Good night
My name is Patricia
I have had this Achilles heel pain for 15 days now.
I went to the doctor and he only gave me naproxen and ice.
My job is 8 hours on my feet and I walk a lot
They didn't train me for a day
Is capacity necessary?
Hi Patricia,
Not necessarily. But we must determine what the cause of the pain is and what underlying pathology it has. With this, establish a treatment protocol.
All the best.
Good morning, I have had intense pain for some time, especially in my left foot, to the point of almost not being able to walk due to the pain. I have been using safety shoes for a year and a half because of the work I do. I don't know if that influences anything, but when the work day ends and I put on my usual footwear, pain begins from the heel to a little above the Achilles tendon. .
I have been on the verge of going to the emergency room because of the severe pain but I don't know if it is worth going.
I await your response, thank you
Hello Puy,
Ideally, in the event of unexpected or high-intensity pain, consult immediately. With safety shoes we can sometimes see stress fractures or acute tendinopathy. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms.
All the best.
Good morning, my 8-year-old daughter has had Achilles tendon pain in her right leg for some time. They already had an ultrasound and x-ray and it is not swollen or torn and nothing can be seen on the x-ray. She describes that they hit her very hard day and night, and even while she is asleep she complains. Relieving inflammation does not last long and the pain returns.
Any recommendation?
. Thank you.
Hello Martha, a priori we wouldn't know what else to tell you but we could review all the evidence and analyze your daughter in person to see if we can discover something else, okay?
All the best.
Hello, good morning, while going to work on a motorcycle I had an accident which made me react so as not to get trapped between the motorcycle and the guard rail, thus kicking him.
That being the case, I felt intense pain in my calf and up to my heel. The health insurance company left me at home for 3 weeks, but the pain persists, especially when walking on crutches for a while or standing.
What does this mean that I still have to spend more time immobilized? Even though it never broke, I still feel pressure.
Hello José, normally it is not a question of being immobilized but rather of resting and physiotherapy work to recover the initial state.
A hug.
Hello, 4 years ago I had an operation for a broken tibia and fibula, I did not use a cast, instead they put me in an orthopedic boot. When beginning recovery therapies we found that the Achilles tendon was shortened (apparently due to poor placement of the boot).
I finished my therapy but the tendon was not fully stretched, so my foot does not have the correct mobility.
My question is ; Can the tendon continue to be stretched to regain more mobility in the foot?
Thank you !
Hello Silvia, thank you for your question,
Of course it can be stretched without problem, but in a programmed manner and guided by physiotherapy and orthopedic surgeon since they are the professionals who will monitor your treatment and ensure that it is carried out within safe parameters.
All the best
Hello, I tore my Achilles tendon 7 years ago, I had surgery and I was very well, now I started playing soccer and I feel burning and stiffness in the tendon over the union with the calves, what should I do?
Thank you
Hello Martin,
In order to tell you something we would need to see what the injury was like, what surgery and what technique was used and perform some physical tests to see what is happening.
Greetings.
Hello, I broke my Achilles heel in 2 parts and I am waiting for surgery. But I feel a lot of pain and a lot of heat, what should I do to relieve it, thank you
Hello Gaston,
Unfortunately, until the operation is performed, you cannot do any type of rehabilitation.
You can ask your doctor to prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories to manage the pain better.
Greetings
Hello, I sometimes get punctures in my left foot near the Achilles heel.
Hello rosa,
We recommend that you go to a specialist for a review.
Greetings
Good morning, I have pain in both feet... in the Achilles tendon, but only when I get up in the morning, or when I get up after having been sitting for a while. And as the minutes go by the pain decreases, but if I sit or lie down again and need to get up... the pain appears again and the first steps I take hurt.
What will it be due to?
Hello Cinthya,
We would have to do some tests and a physical examination to find out what may be causing your discomfort.
We need more information about your case to be able to give you a diagnosis.
You can make an appointment by calling +34 91 005 39 00
Greetings.
It's exactly the same for me. It can get so painful when I get up that I can barely walk. But then during the day I'm pretty good. I work in the fields.
Hello, my name is Montserrat, and this is the second time I have noticed discomfort in my Achilles tendon.
It turns out that I have fatty liver, and I was told that this condition is caused by the liver problem, which affects several joints in the body.
I would like to know if it is true that suffering from liver disease is causing this pain in the tendon of my right foot. Thank you.
Hello Montserrat,
A fatty liver may cause systemic inflammation, which could affect joints and tendons. However, pain in the Achilles tendon could have other causes. We suggest you consult a specialist. You can make an appointment at 91 005 39 00.
Greetings