ACHILLES' TENDINITIS |
|
General Information
DEFINITION--Inflammation of the Achilles' tendon.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Achilles' tendon, which attaches the lower leg muscles to the heel.
Soft tissue in the surrounding area, including blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, periosteum (covering to bone) and connective tissue.
{28}
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Constant pain or pain with motion.
Limited motion of the ankle.
Crepitation (a "crackling" sound when the tendon moves or is touched).
Heat and redness over the inflamed Achilles' tendon.
CAUSES
Strain from unusual use or overuse of the lower leg muscles and Achilles' tendon.
Direct blow or injury to the lower leg, foot or ankle. Tendinitis becomes more likely with repeated injury.
Infection introduced through broken skin at the time of injury.
RISK INCREASES WITHContact sports, especially those involving kicking, jumping and quick starts.
HOW TO PREVENT
Engage in a vigorous program of physical conditioning before beginning regular sports participation.
Warm up adequately before practice or competition.
Learn proper moves and techniques for your sport.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's examination and diagnosis.
Self-care during recovery.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms and signs.
Medical history and physical examination by your doctor.
X-rays of the area to rule out other abnormalities.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon.
Proneness to repeated injury.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEAchilles' tendinitis is usually curable in about 6 weeks with heat treatments and rest of the inflamed area. Recovery is usually quicker if the inflammation is caused by a direct blow rather than by a strain or sprain.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDNone. This problem develops slowly.
CONTINUING CARE
You may need a walking-boot cast for 10 to 14 days. See Appendix 2 (Care of Casts). Then wrap the ankle area with an elasticized bandage until healing is complete.
Apply heat frequently. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
To prevent a recurrence, wear protective strapping or an adhesive bandage for several weeks after healing is complete.
MEDICATION
You may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen for minor pain.
Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need.
ACTIVITYResume normal activities gradually.
DIETDuring recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity. Your doctor may suggest vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.
REHABILITATION
Begin daily rehabilitation exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed and you can walk without pain.
Use ice massage for 10 minutes before and after exercise. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
See section on rehabilitation exercises.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of Achilles' tendinitis.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
