Sports Medicine
Achilles' tendon
Pain in the Achilles tendon area is extremely common.
The doctor speaks of Achillodynia, which translated means little more than Achilles tendon pain.- Typically, pain in the Achilles tendon first occurs, usually at the beginning of exercise, and disappears after a short warm-up. The pain is particularly severe after exercise, when you've taken a break and want to get going again.
- As the condition progresses, the tendon often swells a few centimeters above the heel. The swelling is usually described as spindle-shaped and is extremely painful. In extreme cases, the tendon can lose stability and tear under even slight stress.
The triggers of Achilles tendonitis
The cause of this condition is often difficult to determine. Possible triggers include excessive strain from sports or excess weight, foot misalignment, gait disturbances, local pressure on the tendon, or simply wear and tear. To prevent a rupture, competent treatment is urgently required.
The therapy
The number of possible triggers is as diverse as the number of treatments. From relief and injections to complex surgeries, everything has been described in the history of Achilles tendon treatment, with varying degrees of success.
- Treatment with cortisone injections is particularly risky. While the pain often subsides, this treatment comes at the cost of an additional risk of tendon rupture.
- According to the latest scientific findings, a simple non-surgical treatment produces the best results. However, some patience is required.
- All treatments involve reducing the load, meaning painful sports must be limited or temporarily discontinued. Foot misalignments should be corrected with insoles. Local cooling helps reduce the inflammatory stimulus.
- The most important therapeutic tool, however, is a special exercise program that must be performed three times a day. A simple stair step or a landing serves as an aid. The exercise takes no more than 5-8 minutes.
Targeted gymnastics against Achilles tendonitis
- Image 1. Stand with both forefeet on a step or landing.
- Image 2. Lift your healthy leg so that you're standing only on the affected leg. For safety, you can hold onto the railing.
- Image 3. Next, lower your heel until the Achilles tendon is fully stretched. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds. It's important not to bounce or rock during this movement. Just stand still.
- Figure 4. Then place the healthy foot back on the step and relieve the affected tendon.
- Important: Repeat the exercise with the knee extended and then slightly bent (approx. 20°). Do 10-15 repetitions each time. For a total of 20-30 repetitions.