Why Foot Pain Caused by Achilles Tendonitis Can Be Beaten With Insoles

The strongest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon, serves to connect the muscles of the heel with those in the lower leg. When people run, jump or sprint, the Achilles tendons is placed under enormous stress because it has to deal with pressure many times the equivalent of the body weight. Achilles tendonitis can develop when the tendon becomes inflamed and tender, usually because of injuries, and this can cause foot pain.

What are the Causes of the Condition?

Younger people who partake in strenuous physical activity and who fail to do warm-up exercises may place undue pressure on the tendon, and thus develop Achilles tendonitis. It is especially activities that require a great degree of jumping, sudden changes of directions and spurts of running that place athletes at danger. In many instances the condition is caused by physical injury to the heel, the tendon itself or the calf. 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.

How Does One Recognize the Condition?

One of the surest indicators of Achilles tendonitis is severe foot pain or pain behind the heel. Most patients report increased pain levels after periods of no physical activity, when getting up from bed, and when they have been sitting down for long periods. The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch, and especially sharp pain may be experienced when pushing or jumping. Standing on the toes is often excruciating.

Can the Condition be Cured?

Most foot specialists treat the condition with non-invasive techniques such as shoe insoles and are usually successful. The simplest form of treatment, and also one of the most efficient, is complete rest of all the muscles in the calf, heel and foot. Lifting the heel by means of special shoe insoles can also help to relieve the pressure on the tendon. By applying ice to the afflicted area, the blood flow can be improved, and this may also provide temporary reprieve from foot pain. In cases of severe pain and discomfort, foot specialists often prescribe shoe insoles or anti-inflammatory medication that can help speed up the healing process.

Medical experts regard physical therapy as an important part of any treatment program and patients are encouraged to do exercises that are designed to make the muscles suppler yet stronger. Surgery is generally not considered unless all other options have failed to produce results. Surgery is usually performed in order to remove the infected part of the tendon and to ensure that the remaining healthy part is re-attached to the heel.

How to Avoid Achilles Tendonitis

One of the most important things that can be done to avoid foot pain caused by this condition is to follow a strict regime of stretching before embarking upon any form of exercise. Fitness experts concur that the best way to prevent injury to the tendons and the muscles is to keep them as flexible as possible.

Published February 1st, 2012

Tags: flat, feet