Achilles Tendinitis, A Simple Guide to the Condition, Treatment and Related Diseases
(eBook)

English

The Achilles Tendon is the body's largest tendon Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon is swollen and tender Inflammation occurs due to the calf muscles overstretching Passive stretching is due to frequent walking and jumping Young male adults are affected more than female Overexertion leads to many tendinitis in males There may severe pain and difficulty in running If untreated the stretched tendon may result in tearing It is important the tendon is rested and iced The blood supply to the tendon must not be compromised X-rays and MRI will the confirm the severity Severe rupture of the tendon may require surgery Treatment is by reduction of strenuous activities Followed by strengthening exercise and physiotherapy A brace or cast will keep the heel and tendon still To allow the very important Achilles tendon heal-An original poem by Kenneth Kee Interesting Tips about the Achilles Tendinitis A Healthy Lifestyle1. Take a well Balanced Diet2. Rest of the tendon Hot compress may help reduce inflammation Splints or bandaging of the tendon and heel area and ankle to rest the tendons Pain killers such as NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain Muscle relaxant to relax muscles Local injection of local anesthetic and long acting steroid should be avoided because of danger of rupture of tendon. Avoid over usage of the Achilles tendon Strengthen the muscles and tendons with exercises Surgical reattachment of Achilles tendon may be necessary if torn.3. Keep bones and body strong Bone marrow produces our blood Eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruits Zinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and Sleep Avoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 21/2 hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone. Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. Cigarettes contain more than forty types of hazardous and possibly cancer causing chemicals which can harm the smokers and those around them Chapter 1Achilles Tendinitis What is Achilles Tendinitis? Achilles Tendinitis is the inflammation and swelling of the Achilles tendon. What are the causes of Achilles Tendinitis? Causes:The cause of Achilles Tendinitis is due:1. Injury or trauma to the Achilles tendon-minor tears in the tendon of these muscles is always present in injury2. Repetitive over usage of Achilles tendon especially in a runner What are the symptoms and signs of Achilles Tendinitis? Onset is usually gradual unless due to injury Symptoms:1. Pain on movement of the Achilles tendon2. Swelling of the Achilles tendon affected at the lower leg and heel3. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon - inability to stretch4. Pain often radiates into the foot Signs:1. Swelling of the affected Achilles tendon2. Pain and local tenderness of the affected Achilles tendon3. Dry crepitus on movement of the Achilles tendon is present4. X-rays are usually normal although an ultrasound may show minor tears in the tendon. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroduction Chapter 1 Achilles Tendinitis Chapter 2 Interesting Facts of Achilles Tendinitis Chapter 3 Treatment of Achilles Tendinitis Chapter 4 Flat Foot Chapter 5 Plantar Fascilitis Chapter 6 Ankle Sprain Chapter 7 Tenosynovitis Chapter 8 Elbow Dislocation Chapter 9 Knee Cap Dislocation.--Provided by publisher.