Muscles and appendices
Achilles tendinitis
and
Achilles tendon rupture
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon.
Tendons are composed of fibres. They attach muscle to bone and give joints their mobility. When there are repeated movements, the rubbing of the tendon against the bone can provoke the wear of some fibres.
The micro-rupture of these tendinous fibres is accompanied by a painful inflammatory reaction. The inflammation can affect the surrounding structures, such as the synovial sheath around the tendons. Tendinitis can also be caused by repeated micro-trauma, such as blows or shocks, to the tendon.
The pain of tendinitis is increased by movement and calmed by rest.
What is Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendon attaching the heel to the calf muscles.
It is provoked by over sollicitation of the Achilles tendon during repeated, long duration walking, intensive running exercise or through the use of shoes ill-adapted to the activity.
This condition is also called "Achillean tendinitis" or "Schanz's disease".
What is Achilles tendon rupture?
Achilles tendon rupture most often occurs in middle-aged sportsmen or women following a jump, a stumble or a straight take-off leg.
The tendon ruptures following excessive dorsiflexion of the foot (towards the tibia). Although less common than Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendon rupture is nevertheless favoured by a latent and untreated tendinopathy.
Orthopaedic treatment
The aim of the orthopaedic solution is to decrease the pain (analgesia) and the tension in the inflamed Achilles tendon.
Slight elevation of the heel (lift of 8 to 10 mm) makes it possible to shorten the extension of the gastrocnemium (calf) muscle - the muscle that allows you to stand on tiptoe. Good results can be obtained in just a few weeks.
However, in order to prevent recurrence, in addition to the medical treatment and possible physiotherapy, patients should envisage changing their everyday or sports habits (good hydration, warm-ups essential, well-adapted footwear).
Without treatment, the major risk is a ruptured Achilles tendon, resulting in significant disability for walking. The treatment is exclusively surgical. Healing is favoured by wearing a heel lift.
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
